Catalog Archive
Auction 199, Lot 240

Large-Format Edition of Shope's Big Sky Country Map

"Montana - Frontier Pioneer - A One Page History Dedicated to the Old Timers"

Subject: Montana

Period: 1937 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
33.5 x 24.8 inches
85.1 x 63 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

This is the scarce large-format edition of this densely detailed pictorial map of Big Sky Country. It was drawn by Irvin "Shorty" Shope (1900-1977), a native of Montana and one of the charter members of the Cowboy Artists of America. The landscape is filled with small illustrations and notations focused on the state's history, with plenty of information on the Native Americans, Lewis and Clark, cowboy life, wildlife, and more. Larger drawings in the border bring to life the "major frontier industries:" cattle and sheep raising, lumbering, mining, and fur trapping. The map's coverage extends to show a charming rendering of Yellowstone National Park. The legend identifies historic trails, including the routes of Lewis and Clark, Custer's last march, Chief Joseph's retreat, and the modern state highway system. Printed in blue ink on yellow paper. Blank verso. Published by the Montana State Highway Department.

References:

Condition: A

Folded on watermarked paper with one short split at a fold junction.

Estimate: $400 - $475

Sold for: $1,000

Closed on 9/11/2024

Archived