Description

Spirit of the Valley by P. Buckley Moss

Content & Subject

Spirit of the Valley by P. Buckley Moss is a signed and numbered limited edition lithograph from the Moss Horse Collection and the Barn Collection. This elegant work presents a panoramic triptych-style design with three circular vignettes, blending equestrian grace with the charm of the rural countryside. Spirit of the Valley features the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia and is celebrated in the print, Spirit of the Valley. The Virginia Horse Center is nationally and internationally renowned and serves as a venue for more than eighty events a year.

 

In the central vignette, a powerful chestnut horse sits majestically in the foreground, its mane swept gently by the breeze. To the left, another horse grazes peacefully in the open field, while the right vignette reveals barns and farm structures nestled in the valley landscape. Together, these scenes tell a story of harmony between the horse, the land, and the traditions of farm life.

Style & Technique

Moss’s lithographs are created by reproducing images of her watercolor originals, preserving the soft washes, fine linework, and textural beauty of her painting style. In Spirit of the Valley, she combines delicate ink outlines with warm earthy tones and muted greens, creating a pastoral composition that feels both timeless and intimate.

The circular framing of each vignette adds rhythm and unity to the piece, guiding the viewer’s eye across the valley scene. This unique presentation highlights Moss’s ability to weave multiple stories into a single artwork, giving the horse both symbolic prominence and natural context.

Mood & Inspiration

The mood of Spirit of the Valley is tranquil, nostalgic, and reverent. Horses, barns, and farmland are recurring symbols in Moss’s work, representing freedom, sustenance, and heritage. The title reflects her deep admiration for the valleys and farmland of Virginia and Ohio—landscapes that shaped her artistic identity.

This piece celebrates not only the horse as a noble figure but also the land and barns that sustain rural life, creating a holistic portrait of equestrian tradition.

Placement & Gift Ideas

Spirit of the Valley is a perfect choice for living rooms, dining areas, or entryways, where its wide composition and balanced design make it a natural focal point. It is equally suited to equestrian homes, farmhouses, or modern interiors seeking a touch of rustic charm.

As a gift, this limited edition lithograph is ideal for Moss collectors, horse lovers, and anyone with ties to farm life or rural traditions. It is particularly meaningful as a housewarming or anniversary gift, symbolizing roots, resilience, and the bond between humans, animals, and land.

Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. (see FAQs).

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✨ Fun Fact: Moss often used the motif of barns alongside horses in her works, noting that barns are more than just buildings—they are symbols of family, tradition, and endurance. In Spirit of the Valley, the barn anchors the horse to its natural home.

💡 Collector’s Insight: Spirit of the Valley is highly sought after because it belongs to both the Horse Collection and the Barn Collection. Its unique triptych-style vignette design makes it stand out among Moss’s lithographs, offering collectors a piece that bridges two of her most iconic themes in one composition.

2006

Image Size: 9-5/16 x 28-1/2 inches. Paper Size: 12-1/2 x 32 inches.

The Virginia Horse Center in Lexington is celebrated in the print, Spirit of the Valley. The Virginia Horse Center is nationally and internationally renowned and serves as a venue for more than eighty events a year.