Howard A. Terpning (b. 1927)
Proud Men, 2000
oil on board
12 x 13 inches
22 x 23 inches (frame)
signed lower left: Terpning 2000 CA
verso: titled

Howard Terpning is a classically trained illustrator and painter and is universally considered the most important American Western artist living today. His representational paintings of the American West and the Plains Indians are not realism in minute detail for its own sake, without regard to the context of light and the subject’s character. His palette is typically restrained in order to ensure that narrative is the first impression imparted upon the viewer. "Proud Men" was selected as the front cover artwork for Don Hedgpeth’s book "Howard Terpning Spirit of the Plains People" published in 2001 and was described within as follows: “They Followed the warrior’s way, proud prairie horsemen with an appetite for honor and the visceral thrill of danger. They looked death in the face and fought on, emboldened by bravery and the armor of their medicine. They rode for revenge but would fight for no other reason than to plumb the depth of their courage.” In addition to the front jacket cover, "Proud Men" is also illustrated on page 103.
 

The painting appears to be in good condition. Under UV examination, there is no evidence of restoration or inpainting.