In 1847, historian and western traveler Francis Parkman commented upon the characteristics of a wounded buffalo:
The wounded buffalo springs at his enemy; the horse leaps violently aside; and then the hunter has need of a tenacious seat in the saddle, for if he is thrown to the ground there is no hope for him. When he sees his attack defeated the buffalo resumes his flight, but if the shot be well directed he soon stops; for a few moments he stands still, then totters and falls heavily upon the prairie. (Parkman, 1848, p. 507)
As is characteristic with the Walters commission, this painting is quite similar to the previous sketch (CR #359), but is more finished, colorful, and detailed.
