E.S. Paxson Frontier Artist is the only comprehensive biography of this notable painter of the early West.

Yet it is more than the story of an artist's life...

Edgar Samuel Paxson (1852-1919) was not only an artist, but also a frontiersman, scout, soldier, stagecoach guard and telegraph line rider. No artist of the early west, Russell and Remington included, led a more adventurous life than did E.S. Paxson. When Paxson arrived in the fledgling Montana Territory in early 1877, the country was as raw and exciting as could be found anywhere in the west. The Sioux who had annihilated Custer were still on the loose. Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce were about to launch their ill-fated, but renowned, fighting march toward Canada. The Bannock War was yet to come.

Edgar Paxson experienced the trauma of war; saw men die in violent confrontation. He came to know long anxiety-filled nights while camped in Indian country, and lived through face-to-face encounters with hostile Indians. He experienced as well, the camaraderie of high country hunting expeditions and shared campfires with both Indian and white companions.

 

E.S. Paxson Frontier Artist includes the fascinating story of the creation and subsequent drift between obscurity and acclaim of Paxson's documentary masterpiece, "Custer's Last Stand." The artist spent twenty years researching, and eight years painting the 6 by 9 foot work during which time he established friendships with both Indians and soldiers who had fought at the Little Bighorn.

The book also details Paxson's many associations and friendships with notable westerners, including Charles Russell, Buffalo Bill Cody, Captain Jack Crawford and Granville Stuart.

The biography is based on over twenty years of detailed journals and other writings by the artist. The book draws from several of his personal scrapbooks containing photographs and newspaper clippings dating back to the 1870's and 1880's.

Designed in a 9x12 hardcover format, E.S. Paxson, Frontier Artist features 85 subjects in full color. Lithographed on heavy 100 lb. stock, the book also contains over 100 black and white photographs including endnotes, bibliography, index and a chronological checklist of paintings.

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To order your own copy of E.S. Paxson, Frontier Artist or a print of "Custer's Last Stand", please see our order information page.

All artwork created by Edgar Samuel Paxson is owned by the respective private collectors or institutions captioned. The artwork may be downloaded for your personal viewing and enjoyment but may not be reproduced or sold in any format.