Howard Terpning "Capture of the Horse Bundle" 1993

Updated September 18, 2026

Howard Terpning (American, b. 1927), Capture of the Horse Bundle, 1993. An exceptionally compelling limited edition Western art print depicting a dramatic procession of mounted Crow warriors racing through a Plains encampment, rendered with the extraordinary narrative clarity, historical sensitivity and command of equestrian movement that have made Terpning one of the most widely collected painters of the American West.<br><br>The composition captures a moment of triumph and ceremony following the capture of an important horse medicine bundle, an achievement associated with courage, prestige and distinction within Plains warrior tradition. Terpning transforms the episode into a sweeping visual narrative: seven horsemen surge across the foreground at full gallop as dust rises beneath their horses, while monumental tipis, assembled villagers and distant prairie hills create both physical depth and historical atmosphere. The procession possesses remarkable momentum, with the overlapping horses and riders producing a rhythmic sense of motion that draws the viewer immediately into the scene.<br><br>Capture of the Horse Bundle exemplifies the qualities for which Howard Terpning's Native American subjects are particularly admired. His carefully constructed compositions combine meticulous observation of clothing, horses, material culture and landscape with an unmistakably painterly handling of light and atmosphere. Rather than presenting a static historical tableau, Terpning creates a living narrative in which movement, anticipation and human experience become central to the composition. The panoramic format is especially effective here, giving the mounted figures an almost cinematic sweep across the picture plane.<br><br>Issued by Greenwich Workshop as a limited edition of 1,250, this example is individually numbered 1154/1250. Terpning's Greenwich Workshop editions have developed a substantial following among collectors of American Western art, Native American imagery, equestrian art and important contemporary Western printmaking, with his most recognizable narrative compositions remaining particularly desirable.<br><br>Presented in an impressive custom framing treatment specifically suited to the work, incorporating broad suede matting beneath glass and an ornate carved-style wood frame in warm brown tones. The substantial presentation enhances the earth-toned palette of the composition while giving the work the scale and presence appropriate for a significant Western art interior, executive office, lodge, collection room or dedicated display of American art.<br><br>Image: approximately 19 x 33 in.<br><br>Overall framed dimensions: approximately 33 1/2 x 47 in.<br><br>The image retains strong, attractive coloration and presents exceptionally well overall. The suede matting displays some scattered age-related marks and tonal variation visible upon close inspection, while the frame shows extremely minor wear consistent with age and handling. The work ha

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