McClurg, after Trevor (American/Pittsburgh, 1816-1893), The Pioneers Defence [Defense], c.1858, lithograph on paper, image 20.25 x 27 inches, matted and framed 34 x 39.5 inches. A rare, large-scale lithograph made after an 1852 painting by Pittsburgh-based artist Trevor McClurg. Lithograph drawn by August Wegner and published by J. J. Gillespie and Co. in Pittsburgh, PA. The first fine art print published west of the Allegheny Mountains. From the catalog entry in Art in Nineteenth-Century Pittsburgh, an exhibition put on in 1977 by the University of Pittsburgh: In The Pioneer's Defence McClurg exploits another basically European mode, neo-classicism... McClurg has taken this heroic ideal and turned it to American purposes; ancient heroes are replaced by frontiersmen who attempt to protect and preserve the basic social unit of the frontier, the family. The father, pillar of the family unit, simultaneously stares steadily out the open window toward the enemy, steps on a flaming arrow, grabs the musket, and comforts his frightened daughter. The women and young sons, equally heroic, aid in the fight. Provenance: The Old Print Shop, New York; the personal collection of Gary S. Grimes, Pittsburgh. Gary was an expert on Western Pennsylvania art, and especially the Scalp Level painters. Scarce on the market and institutionally. We can not locate this print in any institutional holdings, including the Library of Congress. In seemingly good condition, unexamined outside of the frame. Discoloration to the upper margin from previous hinging; likely cleaned or restored at some point. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .