Rico Tomaso 'Wild Horses' Oil Painting

This is a horizontal rectangular oil painting depicting three wild horses running across a dusty landscape, signed by the artist Rico Tomaso in the upper left corner. The composition features a dynamic arrangement of horses: a chestnut horse in the foreground, a dark bay or black horse in the center, and a palomino in the distance, all shown in mid-gallop. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones, including tans, muted greens, and ochre, evoking a Western or prairie setting. The brushwork is impressionistic and fluid, particularly in the rendering of the horses' manes and the kicking dust, which adds a sense of movement and energy to the scene. The piece is housed in a contemporary gilded wooden frame with a classic bevel and a slight metallic sheen. Rico Tomaso (1898–1985) was a well-known American illustrator and painter, often associated with the 'Golden Age of Illustration'; this piece likely dates from the mid-20th century, approximately the 1950s or 1960s. The condition appears fair to good; while the surface seems intact, there is potential for light surface soiling or yellowing of the varnish consistent with age. The frame shows minor scuffing and age-related wear but remains structurally sound. The signature is clear and distinct, providing a strong provenance indicator for the work.