Edward Borein “Roping the Steer” Original Etching


Edward Borein (1873—1945) is primarily known as an etcher today. Borein executed almost four hundred different etched images in his life, many of which were printed numerous times. Consequently the most frequent examples of the artist’s work found today are his etchings. However, every Borein collector knows that Borein’s preeminent achievements are his applied color works, as seen in his best watercolors and oil paintings. Among cattlemen and women, Edward Borein is most recognized for his ability to accurately capture the canter of a horse, the posture of a working cowboy and the force of a moving herd of cattle.


Borein was a working artist, having made his way in life on the proceeds of his art sales. The citizens of Santa Barbara are full of tales of Borein’s senior years, when it is said the visitors to his studio on De La Guerra St. would be greeted with tall tales and etchings which could be had for a modest price. Amongst Edward Borein’s close friends were the actor Leo Carillo and the humorist Will Rogers. They were often seen at the nearby “El Paseo” (www.calwestgroup.com) restaurant laughing and carrying on.


Edward Borein printed from the original copper plate after his death (posthumously). It is a fine high quality etching titled “ROPED” showing a steer that was roped by a ranch hand cowboy, tripped and now upside down and rolling with a unusual dense brush vegetation background with wonderful Borein detail. This etching is shown in Harold Dividson’s book — EDWARD BOREIN THE UPDATE Watercolors, Etchings, and Drawings — 1991 (Library #0-9627674-0-9) plate D138 titled “ROPED”. The book shown plate was un-published to the public and was reworked with removal of the left side horseman, and the dense background brush was added and also an in-plate “EDWARD BOREIN” was added. This etching is quite scarce due to the very limited printing production wear-out of the copper plate. The work is on quality paper measuring 5.50 by 11.25 inches in mint condition.

Art (paintings, prints, frames)