Jerome Rozen (American, 1895-1987) Blazing Trails (Boys Life cover), 1934
Oil on Masonite Masonite: 30” x 24” Frame: 34” x 28”
Signed Lower Right: JRozen Accompanied by an Original Copy of the Boy’ Life Magazine where it debuted
A grim and rugged frontiersman turns brusquely to face an oncoming prairie fire. The muscular tension of horse and man is released in the wild desperation in the animal’s eyes. The already coal-black color of the stampeding bison herd and the horse’s gleaming coat seem to damn the fate of the landscape. Hints of red accent the man’s cheek, chest, and saddle, connecting his collected demeanor to the ferocity of the flames behind him.
This piece was featured as the cover art for the August 1934 issue of Boys’ Life magazine, a publication of the Boy Scouts of America. A label on the rear connects the ownership of this painting to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a prominent part of the Boy Scouts in the 20th Century.
Provenance: Mroczek Brothers Auctioneers & Associates, Western and Native Fine Arts, March 16, 2023, Lot 44 Private Collection, Utah
