This is an original hand colored Nathaniel Currier lithograph titled “A Check: Keep Your Distance” by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait and the piece is dated 1853. Nathaniel Currier (1813-1888) started his business in 1835 and later took on James Merritt Ives in 1857, becoming Currier & Ives. Currier was an astute businessman who understood the American people’s interest in westward expansion at the time. When this piece was published in 1853 much of the west was still belonging to the Native American Indians. The original hand-colored artwork shows a Frontiersman Trapper wearing a buckskin fringed jacket on horseback aiming his rifle at Indians in the distance with another Trapper driving the pack animals away from the scene. The Trapper is shown with a percussion cap and ball rifle, steer powder horn, large fighting knife at his back and an Indian arrow lodged into the camp blanket. Marked, “A CHECK / ‘Keep Your Distance!’ PUBLISHED BY N. CURRIER, 152 NASSAU ST. NEW YORK”, “PAINTED BY A.F. TAIT.”, “Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1853, by N. Currier, in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the Southern District of N.Y.”, and “LITH. OF N. CURRIER N.Y.” The piece is framed in an older beautiful burl highly figured wood, a beautiful addition. Few examples of this piece have been offered for public sale and have brought great attention such as the example sold by Arader for $3,750, the piece sold by James D. Julia for $3,162 and the other example by James D. Julia for $2,185. The piece is also in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Overall in fine condition showing no visible damage with crisp printing and vivid hand painted colors. Visible art area measures 24”x18.5. The frame is 28”x22.5”. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.