The Joy Of a Friend
By: Curt Mattson
Year: 2024
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: 12 1/2 x 18 1/4 x 9 inches
Price: $8,200
Edition Size: 9
Castings Available: 2
This piece focuses on a man who was truly exceptional in many ways. Jedidiah Smith was born in 1799 in Bainbridge, New York. His family was a devout Christian family, and they raised their son with an unshakable faith in the God of the Bible. So much so, he carried a Bible with him wherever his travels took him. Eventually the family moved to St. Louis, Missouri and it was there in 1822 when young Jed responded to an ad in the Missouri Gazette looking for “One Hundred Enterprising Young Men” to explore and trap in the Rocky Mountains. Smith responded and was hired. So, the adventure began! This was the beginning of his career, as a mountain man.
The strength of faith and character in Jedediah Smith drew me to him as a subject. I have depicted Jedidiah with a big smile as he rides toward a friendly face. His rifle is held high, his horse moving at full speed. The trappings of the piece are most interesting. A powder horn and possibles bag hangs over his shoulder. His Bible would have been carried in the bag. A second powder horn is hung over the saddle horn. His saddle is very typical of the mountain men of that era. His capote, a heavy wool coat, is tied in front of his saddle. He wears buckskins and moccasins he made himself. A simple bridle and snaffle bit are on his horse. This is a very happy piece, as Jed Smith rides hard, filled with “The Joy Of a Friend”.
This piece of artwork is in the 2025 Quest for the West® Art Show and Sale.