Paul Oestreicher (American, 20th-21st century). Roy Rogers bronze sculpture, 1999. Signature, edition number (AP 2/4), and date (1999) are inscribed. A cast bronze sculpture of America's singing cowboy Roy Rogers (1911-1998) created as a commemorative piece soon after his death (July 6, 1998) by American sculptor, painter, and musician - Paul Oestreicher. Rogers wears his signature cowboy hat, fringed shirt, and fancy cowboy boots - sits cross-legged on a boulder, and strums his guitar, while his Bullet, his German Shepherd, lays down before him and listens to Rogers' song. Oestreicher is clearly a master of detail; note the gathers of the cowboy's shirt sleeves, his loyal pup's wavy coat, folded front right leg, and flowing tail, the guitar's frets and tuning pegs, and the elaborate embellishments on his boots. What's more, Oestreicher conveys the joyous mood of the scene with Rogers' uplifting smile and Bullet's wagging tongue and perky ears. Size: 7.125" W x 5.875" H (18.1 cm x 14.9 cm); 6.875" H (17.5 cm) on attached wooden base.
Roy Rogers, known as "King of the Cowboys" was an American actor, singer, and television host. He appeared in more than 100 films as well as several radio shows and "The Roy Rogers Show" which ran from 1951 to 1957 and was known for its beloved closing theme song, "Happy Trails To You" written by Rogers' wife and acting/singing partner, Dale Evans-Rogers. Interestingly, the song was inspired by Roy Rogers' autograph - he usually signed "Trails of Happiness" or "Happy Trails, Roy Rogers". Here are the lyrics: "Some trails are happy ones, Others are blue. It's the way you ride the trail that counts, Here's a happy one for you. Happy trails to you, Until we meet again. Happy trails to you, Keep smiling until then. Who cares about the clouds when we're together? Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather. Happy trails to you, Until we meet again."
Paul Oestreicher has lived with the Unami-Delaware Indians of Oklahoma intermittently since he was 16 years old. Much of his work has been devoted to preserving the oral history and culture of these peoples. In addition, he has worked as a ranch hand and cowboy in British Columbia, Canada. Paul has had a solo exhibition at the Adirondack Lakes Center for the Arts, and he was named Featured Sculptor for the 1993 Adirondacks National Exhibition of American Watercolors. Among his other honors: Artist-in-Residence at the 1996 "Les Animaliers" Sculpture Exhibition in Connecticut, and 3 of his works represent the US in the Ambassador's Residence of Guatemala.
Provenance: private Conover, North Carolina, USA collection
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#171228
Condition
Only some slight surface scuffs and minute casting flaws that are difficult to see. Otherwise excellent. Signature, edition (AP 2/4 - AP for Artist's Proof), and date (1999) are inscribed on back of the boulder Rogers sits upon.