Vintage "End of the Trail" Bookends, Mid 20th Century

Presented is a vintage pair of bookends from the 20th century, modelled after James Earle Fraser’s iconic “End of the Trail” sculpture. The bronze bookends are cast in raised-relief. The bookends depict an exhausted Native man, slumped on his equally tired and windblown horse. 

First modeled in 1894, Fraser’s sculpture is based on his experiences growing up in Dakota Territory in the 1880s, as well as inspired by two artworks, Alexander Phimister Proctor’s “Cowboy,” of a rider attempting to rein in his horse, and Cyrus E. Dallin’s “Signal of Peace,” of a Sioux chief astride his pony and raising a spear into the air. 

Working through several iterations, Fraser displayed a monumental plaster version of the sculpture at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco. Placed prominently in the Court of Palms, the 18-foot plaster won the sculpture department’s gold prize.  Due to popularity and critical acclaim for the plaster sculpture, Fraser began producing bronze reductions of the sculpture in 1918, in two sizes. 

CONDITION:

Fine condition. Bronze bookends, cast in raised-relief. Mid 20th century. Minimal tarnish and wear to bronze. Flat pebbled back. Stamped with a small "C" on back. Felted green bottoms. Set of two bookends.

Dimensions: 5" H x 5 3/8" W x 2 13/16" D (each). 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.