Vic Payne's Braveheart, edition of 23/35 , 1996

American artist Vic Payne (b.1960) demonstrates a remarkable ability to capture the spirit and essence of the American West through his artwork. His focus on themes such as cowboy culture, the natural world, and Native American history resonates with both traditional Western art enthusiasts and contemporary audiences alike. Payne's work showcases a meticulous attentiveness to detail and a strong sense of place, reflecting the history and mythology of the West.
 
In his monumental work, Braveheart, the artist depicts a Native American man who reaches out towards a soaring eagle to snare the mystical bird and his coveted feathers. Eagle feathers are considered sacred and were often used in important cultural practices, such as prayer, healing, and the building of a war bonnet. To capture an eagle, however, was a challenge even for the savviest hunters. Lore tells us that the Native Americans had one clever, albeit unconventional method, to trap an eagle, which is shown in the present sculpture. Donning the pelt of a wolf, this warrior lured the eagle to him, only to surprise the bird and meet him in hand-to-talon combat. Braveheart is a dynamic, action-filled sculpture that showcases Payne’s technical skill, eye for composition, and appreciation of Native American culture.