“Cowboy at Rest” is a sculpture by Solon Hannibal Borglum, an American sculptor known for his work depicting the life of the Western cowboy. Solon Borglum was the brother of Gutzon Borglum, the man who famously sculpted Mount Rushmore.
The “Cowboy at Rest” statue captures a tranquil moment in the life of a cowboy. It typically shows a cowboy sitting or lying down, often with his horse nearby, in a pose that suggests a break from the hard work of managing cattle or traveling across the landscape. The cowboy may be seen with his hat shading his eyes, creating an air of relaxation and contemplation.
Solon Borglum’s work is characterized by its realistic portrayal of the American West, and “Cowboy at Rest” is no exception. His ability to capture the essence of cowboy life, with its ruggedness and its moments of repose, reflects his intimate knowledge of his subjects, which he gained through personal experience living in the West.
The sculpture is a testament to the cowboy’s place in American history and mythology, symbolizing both the hardworking nature of the cowboy and the moments of peace found in the vastness of the Western landscape. Borglum’s artistry ensures that such moments and the spirit of the American cowboy are immortalized in bronze, remembered and appreciated by future generations.