Title: John Clymer (1907-1989), Last of the Buffalo (alt. title: Buffalo Killers)
Medium: oil on board
Dimensions: 24 x 36
Frame dimensions: 32 x 44 1/4 x 1 7/8
Notes: During his long and very successful artistic career, John Clymer developed a highly effective process for painting the history of the American West. Along with his wife Doris, he would thoroughly research the subject of each painting and gather all of the critical visual elements in a particular scene. No detail was spared, from the setting of the subject, the climate and weather of the area and the historic period of time. Once the research was completed, they would both travel to the proposed site for the painting, thus getting a firsthand feeling for the area. This painstaking process resulted in paintings that are not only rich in accurate historical detail but which also meticulously capture the essence of their geographical settings. Clymer was adept at recreating historical events while at the same time drawing the viewer into the physical scene.

By the time Clymer joined the Cowboy Artists of America organization in 1969 he had already achieved a highly successful career as both an illustrator and easel painter. Clymer painted more than 70 cover illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post, many of them western scenes, thus bringing images and the lore of the West to thousands of Americans. Born in Ellensburg, Washington in 1907, he was particularly
interested in depicting the history of the Pacific Northwest, creating sensitive and detailed depictions of Native Americans and their interactions with the white culture.

About the subject of buffalo hunting, Clymer wrote, “The Plains Indians were dependent upon the buffalo for nearly all of their needs, including the food they ate and the hides for their robes and their tipis. Everything was used, even the bones and sinew for tools and sewing. With horses the Indians could outrun the buffalo and were assured of an ample supply of food whenever buffalo could be located.”

Both the painting and the frame appear to be in very good condition. The painting was examined under blacklight and does not show any indication of inpainting.

oil on board

signed lower left: J clymer
verso: titled (Buffalo Killers)