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Original 1920s Tom Mix Silent Film Poster Fragment

About the Item

Original 1920s Tom Mix Silent Film Poster Fragment Later Black Lacquer Frame 63 w x 45" h Poster 60 w x 42" h A striking and cinematic survivor from the silent film era, this monumental, color-saturated poster fragment is attributed to a Tom Mix feature film from the late 1920s. Printed in chromolithograph, it captures the height of Mix’s heroic image—a moment of raw tension as he engages in a dramatic river confrontation while a woman in distress looks on. Bursting with narrative energy, it’s a quintessential expression of the Western genre’s graphic roots. Likely sourced from a two- or three-sheet lobby poster promoting a Fox Film Corporation title such as The Great K & A Train Robbery (1926) or The Last Trail (1927), this piece showcases the larger-than-life appeal that made Mix a household name. The horses, the churning river, and the frozen gestures all serve the melodrama and immediacy of silent-era action storytelling. Archival dry-mounting to conservation board ensures long-term preservation while showcasing the artwork’s scale and visual punch. Fold lines and minor surface wear are present, but overall color and impact remain superb. Framed with a reinforced wooden strainer. Beyond its cinematic history, this poster fragment anticipates the visual language of mid-century Pop Art. The flattened color fields, crisp outlines, and comic-book tension prefigure artists like Roy Lichtenstein, whose own work was rooted in the drama of graphic storytelling. A museum-worthy work of Americana and a powerful collectible for those interested in early 20th-century film, graphic design, or Western mythology. Probable Attribution: • Actor: Almost certainly Tom Mix (left, in red shirt), the era’s most popular cowboy star, often depicted in dramatic action scenes involving horse chases, rescues, or river crossings. • Era: Circa 1920–1929, late silent film period. • Scene: Mix appears to be rescuing or confronting a villainous character on horseback in a rushing river, while a distressed woman looks on from the shore. These themes of peril, heroism, and morality were standard in his narratives. This scene is consistent with posters for films like: • The Great K&A Train Robbery (1926) • The Terror (1926) • The Last Trail (1927) However, this specific artwork does not exactly match any known surviving full posters, so it may be from a now-lost or less-documented title. Artistic Style & Significance: • Medium: Chromolithograph on linen-backed paper (now framed) • Coloration: Bold primaries, dramatic highlights, and exaggerated expressions—all of which predate and stylistically anticipate the Pop Art sensibilities of the mid-20th century. • Technique: The halftone-free, hand-separated lithographic printing emphasizes graphic dynamism and flat color, qualities later mirrored by Pop artists.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 45 in (114.3 cm)Width: 63 in (160.02 cm)Depth: 2 in (5.08 cm)
  • Style:
    Art Deco (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Wood,Lacquered
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Pre 1930
  • Condition:
    Replacements made: The Black Lacquer Frame is a later addition. Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    West Palm Beach, FL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: T33071stDibs: LU2592345368082

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