The Bell Mare, 1904 Collier’s Print
Framed Dimensions: 16 1/2″ W x 18 7/8″ H
Unframed Dimension: 5″ W x 7.5″H
Government pack trains loaded with mules and supplies were always led by a mare which carried no burden. The surefooted leader wore a bell around her neck at all times. The mules followed the sound of the bell and continued along at a good pace without urging from the mounted riders. The pack trains traveled at night to avoid the sweltering daytime temperatures of the Arizona and New Mexico mountains. Remington wanted to capture these events as they actually occurred. To that end he mixed colors to depict evening hues and perfected his ability to paint moonlight and other after dark scenes.
