Art Institute of Chicago

The Mexican Major

Frederic Remington (American, 1861–1909)

Date

1889

Medium

Oil on canvas

Culture

New York

Department

Arts of the Americas

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Frederic Remington was greatly impressed by the Mexican army, which he observed during a six-week visit to Mexico in 1889 in preparation for an article in Harper’s Weekly magazine. The Mexican Major is an elaborate, multifigural composition, designed to convey the professionalism, discipline, and “immensely picturesque” appearance of the officer and his regiment. Remington enjoyed the soldiers' ornate costumes, and he emphasized these through the use of rhythmic, flashing colors and the depiction of brilliant light. The line of horsemen stretches off into the far distance—a sign of honor, strength, and dignity.

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