The Parley

About this work

In this painting, two men on horseback face each other in a vast, open landscape. The man on the left wears a feathered headdress and holds a spear, while the man on the right has a long beard and a rifle slung over his shoulder. They appear to be engaged in a tense conversation. The scene is set against a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains, with a few other figures visible in the distance. The overall mood is one of caution and uncertainty, as if the two men are negotiating a delicate situation. The artist, Frederic Remington, was known for his vivid depictions of the American West. To learn more about his work, explore the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.