A captivating glimpse into the actual setting of the Philadelphia Silver Smelter at Ketchum, Idaho portrayed by a naïve artist. The point of view of the artist centers upon the inner workings of the village itself and its functionality, along with the necessity of an accompanying freight railroad, locomotive, and box cars.
The primary dramatic components of the scene include the expansive village, rising smoke stacks, Bald Mountain, and prominent receding train tracks in the foreground.
On closer inspection, secondary elements include a locomotive, the "UP" insignia which identify as belonging to the Union Pacific Railroad, escalating coal shuttles from train to hopper, a train brakeman securing cars, a driver and horse team pulling a coal laden wagon, a web of sturdy train trestles, a water powered log conveyor, a cable spar tree for raising logs from the river, and scattered logs along the river bank.
The artist meticulously depicted accurate details of the encampment, which lends to the narrative and authentic nature of the painting.
The village and smelter officially opened in 1882. The tracks pictured here are a spur of the Oregon Short Line, owned by Union Pacific Railroad, which was in operation by 1887.
American. Oil on canvas, original stretcher. When black lit, no evidence of repaint. Gold frame, possibly not original. Some wear to edges of frame.
35" Length 30" Height
$1325. Free Shipping Purchase on Etsy at NoonmarkAntiques
