A Print of Frederic Remington’s “Coronado’s March,” Signed by Him

Shortly after the discovery of America, the Spanish people became obsessed with the idea that somewhere in the interior of the New World there were rich mines of gold and silver, and various expeditions were sent out to search for these treasures. From 1540-42, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado led a well-equipped force of conquistadores north from Mexico in search of the supposedly fabulously wealthy Seven Cities of Cibola and the country of Quivira. The force included 230 horsemen, some with several horses, 62 soldiers on foot, 5 friars with their assistants, and a military guard, numbering altogether about 330. They had fifteen hundred horses, mules, and cattle, and these were likely the first of their breeds in the United States. With various parties heading far into the unknown northwestern and northeastern territory, they went throughout Arizona and reached as far as the Grand Canyon and the plains of Kansas. Although no riches were found, Coronado’s journey added greatly to the knowledge of the New World, by discovering the Zuni and Hopi Indians of the Southwest, the hunting tribes of the Great Plains, the teeming herds of bison, and the Grand Canyon of the Colorado River.

With his dynamic representations of cowboys and soldiers, and bronco busters and Indians, painter, sculptor, author, and illustrator, Frederic Remington, created a mythic image of the American West that continues to inspire today. His technical ability to reproduce the physical beauty of the Western landscape made him a sought-after illustrator, but it was his insight into the heroic nature of Americans on the Frontier before it vanished into history that brought him lasting fame. His name remains identified with the American West.

In 1897, Remington turned his attention to the subject of conquistadores, and drew the famous “Coronado’s March” as a magazine illustration. This is a black and white print of the illustration, boldly signed by Remington at lower left. Signed prints of Remington’s works are very uncommon today.