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Description
This painting is a study for a much larger, seven by ten foot canvas by Hill. The finished painting was accepted by Governor W. D. Stephens on behalf of the people of California, and in 1921 was hung in the State Capitol building in Sacramento. Hill painted "Crossing the Plains" as a tribute to California Pioneers, and to his own father Elijah Putnam Hill. Shortly after Andrew was born, Elijah set out for California. He reached Amador City, California, but died seven days later from the strain and exposure caused by the trip. When asked about the painting, Hill stated: "'Crossing the Plains' reincarnates and perpetuates the spirt of adventure, the indomitable courage, the indifference to hardship, the dogged purpose and the idealistic vision which spurred men and women to give up the comforts and culture of civilization and blaze a trail to unknown homes and through untold dangers." Bronze plaque attached to frame reads, "Original Sketch Crossing The Plains By Andrew P. Hill presented To the Santa Clara County Pioneers by Geo. F. Smith March 1924."
Type
image
Format
Oil
Identifier
038BEF73-08C4-405C-A123-464866202018 1977-859
Subject
Pioneers Wagon trains Ox teams Overland journeys to the Pacific (LCSH)
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