Description

Bareback by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Bareback by P. Buckley Moss is a signed and numbered limited edition lithograph from both the Moss Horse Collection and the One Boy Collection. This tender and nostalgic artwork portrays a young boy riding bareback on a graceful horse through tall meadow grasses. Dressed in simple attire with suspenders and a wide-brimmed hat, the boy evokes a sense of timeless rural life and innocence.

The circular framing of the composition adds intimacy, as if the viewer is peering into a cherished memory. With the soft sky and gently bending grasses surrounding them, the scene becomes a portrait of freedom, simplicity, and the enduring bond between child and horse.

Style & Technique

Moss’s folk-art style shines through in Bareback, with its clean lines, muted tones, and delicate watercolor textures. The lithograph technique preserves the clarity of her linear style while enhancing the subtle washes of color across sky, horse, and landscape. The circular vignette design adds warmth and focus, emphasizing the bond between boy and horse without distraction.

Her choice of earthy hues for the horse, contrasted against the light background, creates a calm yet grounding visual presence—making the boy and horse the central point of connection.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Bareback is nostalgic, serene, and quietly adventurous. It captures the universal joy of childhood exploration and the trust between rider and horse. The simplicity of bareback riding reflects a closeness to nature and a freedom from complexity—a theme Moss often revisits in her depictions of children and rural traditions.

This piece invites viewers to remember a time when life felt slower, gentler, and full of wonder. It speaks to themes of innocence, trust, and harmony with nature.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Bareback is a beautiful addition to children’s bedrooms, playrooms, family spaces, or studies, where its nostalgic charm and warmth inspire fond memories and reflection. Its circular framing makes it versatile, fitting elegantly into both modern and rustic interiors.

As a gift, this limited edition lithograph is perfect for families, horse lovers, Moss collectors, or as a keepsake for milestones like birthdays, graduations, and housewarmings. Its dual placement in both the Horse Collection and One Boy Collection makes it a particularly meaningful treasure for seasoned collectors.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs)

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✨ Fun Fact: Bareback riding is one of the oldest forms of horsemanship, requiring trust and balance between rider and horse. Moss’s depiction celebrates this natural connection, portraying not just a ride, but a partnership built on simplicity and harmony.

💡 Collector’s Insight: Bareback is highly valued because it bridges two important Moss collections—horses and children. Collectors prize it for its tender storytelling and rare circular vignette composition, which adds uniqueness to the work. It embodies Moss’s hallmark themes of innocence, rural tradition, and equestrian grace.

2002

Image Size: 8-3/8 x 8 inches. Paper Size: 11-7/8 x 11-1/2 inches.