Providing Western Art Since 1979

A high plains scout on a deep sorrel horse in deep white snow is the striking contrast that western artist Chuck DeHaan gives us in this Guildhall print release. Chuck's Indians in the snow scenes have been collector favorites, and "The Return" is undoubtedly one of his best. One can almost feel the surging steps of the heavy-breaking horse beneath him while the animal fights for each breath as he carries his laborious load in the cold, thin air. Even in freezing temperatures, a horse works up a heavy sweat under these conditions.

This pair is obviously returning from a scouting jaunt, as shown by the "count cord" carried in the rider's lap across his heavy buffalo robe. Each knot in the rawhide cord represents an even number (5, 10 or 20) of buffalo, elk or the enemy - whichever or whomever is the subject of the scouting expedition. The knotted cord was the Indian's "tally sheet," a method of counting that was passed on to the white man, who used it in similar ways to number his livestock.

Chuck's special use of lighting in this scene adds to the atmosphere we experience in sharing the scout's thankfulness in safely returning to the warm and welcome fires awaiting him at the camp below.

Note the detail and study the artist gives to the horse's equipment, as well as the rider's striking regalia. The snaffle bit in the bridle was a sought-after trade item for the Indian horseman, who in this case has enhanced the headstall and reins by his own particular designs and attachments. This was a common practice among many of the plains tribes who developed entire cultures centered around horses.

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