Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
by Linda K Powell
Title
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Artist
Linda K Powell
Medium
Painting - Watercolor On Hot Press Illustration Board
Description
High in the Rocky Mountains amid craggy cliffs and sparse vegetation, Bighorn Sheep make their home. Theirs is a life of struggle against harsh winters and many predators. Not the least of their challengers are animals of their own kind. Blunted and frayed horns give testimony to the rams' frequent battles with rivals from their own species. Among the Bighorn mates, these horns are a symbol of rank. The bigger the horn, the more dominant its owner. The horns may weigh up to 30 pounds, which is as heavy as all the bones in the ram's body. The huge head armor tells the story of bouts and battles endured by an old ram over the course of his life. The deep grooves ringing the horns mark annual growth and give clues to the animal's age. Although the fierce butting jousts may occur at any time during the year, they intensify in the mating season. At that time, two males square off for the challenge. Manes standing on end, eyes flashing fire, they rear on hind legs and charge. On impact, the crash of massive horns can be heard a mile away and shock waves ripple through the combatants' bodies. Like knights in a medieval joust, the rams back off and charge again. The battering rages on for an hour or more until one or the other falls to his knees in defeat. The victor glowers at his foe, then strides away to claim his mate. Amid alpine cliffs, the Bighorn Sheep scratch out a life in the frigid domain they call home.
Please note the "Fine Art America" watermark will not appear on the painting or any print reproduction.
Artwork Copyright © 1981 Wind River Studios Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the Copyright. WRSH Stock Number XB07203
Uploaded
April 25th, 2022
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