Edward Borein (1872-1945)

Bucking broncos have been a recurring theme in Western American art for over a century. The struggle between man and animal has come to represent man's continual efforts to tame the West. Along with Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Maynard Dixon, William Robinson Leigh and many others, Edward Borein has been recognized for mastering the subject, depicting it on countless occasions and in a range of mediums, including watercolor, pen and ink, dry point and etching, a medium for which he would become widely known.

Swappin' Ends is a rare, highly-finished example of Borein's best efforts at the subject. The title of the present work cleverly alludes to the action that is unfolding, sticking to the raw authenticity of the event by employing a colloquial term for a bronco that is headed end over end. Borein returned to such playful, informative and authentic titles on many occasions, in works such as Scratchin' High, High Wide and Handsome, Who Wins?, and Sitting Pretty.