About this sheet
An original mid-nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving depicting a dramatic bear hunt in early California. Titled "Native Californians Lassoing a Bear," the scene captures a thrilling encounter between mounted riders and a powerful California grizzly bear, one of the most iconic animals of the American West.
The composition shows three horsemen confronting a charging bear within a rugged woodland landscape. One rider prepares a lasso while the others maneuver their horses around the animal, creating a vivid sense of movement and tension. The image reflects nineteenth-century fascination with the frontier and the adventurous life associated with California before its rapid transformation following the Gold Rush.
Published by D. Appleton & Co. of New York, the print was engraved by Francis Hall after a design by F.O.C. Darley, one of America's most celebrated nineteenth-century illustrators. Darley became renowned for his depictions of frontier life, historical subjects, and scenes from American literature. His work helped shape popular perceptions of the American West during a period of rapid expansion and exploration.
The California grizzly, once abundant throughout the state, became an enduring symbol of California and remains featured on the state flag today. Images such as this are valuable historical records of both wildlife and frontier culture, illustrating hunting methods, horsemanship, and the challenges faced by early inhabitants of the region.
The engraving combines historical interest with strong decorative appeal. Its dramatic narrative, detailed landscape, and original hand coloring make it an attractive display piece for collectors of Americana, Western history, California history, wildlife art, and nineteenth-century prints.
Today, original California-themed engravings from this period are increasingly sought after by collectors interested in the settlement of the American West and the visual culture of nineteenth-century America.
This is an original nineteenth-century engraving, not a later reproduction. Sold unframed.
Condition Report:
Condition consistent with age. General age toning, scattered foxing, and some staining visible in the margins. Minor handling wear and light creasing. The image remains clear and attractive with surviving original hand coloring. Please examine all photographs carefully.
Framing Tips:
This print displays exceptionally well in a dark walnut, ebonized, or rustic gilt frame with an ivory museum-quality mat. The earthy tones and frontier subject matter make it particularly suitable for studies, libraries, ranch-style interiors, mountain homes, and collections focused on Western Americana.
Please note that any framed or room-view images are provided for visualization purposes only. The print is sold unframed, and framed examples may not be shown to exact scale.
Technique: Hand-Colored Engraving
Maker: F.O.C. Darley (designer), engraved by Francis Hall, published by D. Appleton & Co., New York, United States, circa 1853.
