Will Rogers, Pacific Palisades, CA

James B. Rogers, Bakersfield, CA

James K. Rogers (Kem), Lynnville, TN

In the family by decent

 

It was a formative period for the artist, and it was in New York where he met Charles M. Russell and Will Rogers, who became a fervent supporter of the artist. Both Mexican Vaquero and Four Mounted Cowboys come from the Will Rogers collection. “Like Will Rogers, Ed Borein grew up on a cattle ranch and became immersed in cowboy culture. While on the range he sketched the adventures of his travels throughout California, Oregon, and Mexico. He also became adept at cowboy crafts such as lasso braiding, saddle making, and iron work,” notes the Will Rogers Ranch Foundation. “…In the October 30, 1932, edition of the Tulsa Daily World, Rogers reflected, ‘Ed makes the best Western etchings of anybody. He is a real cowpuncher, and knows the California ‘Buckaroo’ and the old Mexico ‘Vaquero’ better than any artist living.’” These Borein watercolors, given to Rogers by the artist, are some of the only surviving artworks from the Will Rogers Ranch. Prior to Rogers deeding the ranch to the state of California, which would turn the property into the Will Rogers State Historic Park, the actor and performer selected these works for his personal collection. In January 2025, the Palisades Fire tore through the park, destroying Rogers’ home, barn and a significant portion of the art collection.