Lee’s Cabin at Lonely Dell Ranch
MARTHA MARKS COMMENTS ON BERNARD MARKS’ UNIQUE “LEE’S CABIN AT LONELY DELL RANCH” IN ARIZONA:
For several days, Bernie and I camped near the historic Lonely Dell Ranch. From that spot, we enjoyed the spectacular landscape of what’s called the “Arizona Strip.” For most of its history, this narrow patch of Arizona just south of the Colorado line was a remote location. But now rafters gather there before setting out down the Colorado River through Marble Canyon, headed for the Grand Canyon.
But in the middle decades of the 19th Century, the Arizona Strip was a wild place of outlaw polygamists and played a key role in Mormon history. Mormons moved there to avoid federal marriage laws and escape US federal agents.
One who fell into both categories was John D. Lee, a leader of the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. For five years, Lee hid with some of his 19 wives and 67 children at Lonely Dell Ranch. Meanwhile, he built and ran what was known as Lee’s Ferry across the Colorado River. In 1877, federal agents finally captured Lee, tried him for murder, and executed him by firing squad.
Given that history, it might seem that this place would feel sad, but it doesn’t. Both Lonely Dell Ranch and the location of Lee’s Ferry are charming, evocative places to visit. They have both scenic interest and the palpable weight of Mormon history. There’s also a lot of period equipment, like the metal plow visible in the foreground of this painting
There’s a larger, newer house on the federally owned property and a productive fruit orchard. But Bernie seemed most intrigued by this cabin. He painted it twice and chose this version as his “keeper,” because he liked it better even though it was smaller. Shortly before his death, he asked me to make sure this one went up on his website. I agreed, and here it is.
In all, Bernie made three finished paintings from the Lee’s Ferry area: “Lee‘s Cabin at Lonely Dell Ranch,” “Paria Riffle on the Colorado River,” and “The Colorado at Lee’s Ferry.”
This original painting is available for purchase, as are large, top-quality, custom-made giclée prints.
• oil on canvas, ready for hanging or framing
• 11″ x 14″
TO PLACE AN ORDER…
Choose a link below for the painting or print of your choice. (Prices include all applicable taxes. If shipping is needed, that additional cost will depend on the distance from Santa Fe and the speed desired.)
2. GICLEE PRINT ON THICK ARCHIVAL PAPER, same size as the original, ready for framing: $300
3. PRINT ON GALLERY-WRAPPED CANVAS, same size as the original, ready for hanging or framing: $300
Contact Martha Marks if you’d prefer a different size print.
Return to the ARIZONA page of the Oils and Acrylics section.
This painting and all reproductions of it are © Bernard Marks Fine Art LLC. No unauthorized use is permitted. All rights reserved.