Miller produced at least a couple of versions of this hunting scene in oils, one of which is in a public collection. Miller relished the romantic drama of this fatal encounter, and was especially fascinated by the potential danger presented by a wounded buffalo. The white horse, as pictured here rearing and dodging the angry victim, accentuates that narrative.
This must have been a favorite work for the artist as it was in his personal possession at the time of his death in 1874. His sister Elizabeth inherited it and subsequently passed it down to Miller’s devoted friend, councilor and nephew, Decatur Miller.
The artist; Elizabeth E. Miller; Decatur Howard Miller; [Adam Davidson Galleries, Washington, DC]; [H. V. Allison Galleries, Washington, DC]; [?]; [Zaplin-Lampert Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2003]; present owner
