This is the original cover painting for the epic novel by John Jakes,  published by HarperCollins, 1991  (I show the published cover for reference) The novel spans 1886 - 1921, exploring the legends of California as it changed from a frontier to a modern state - and Pether captured the author's vivid characters here! Although it's very interesting how the publisher chose to "crop out" the sexy one on the cover!  Painted in gouache and acrylic on illustration board, 11.5" x 9.5"  and comes with a label attesting to its authenticity signed by Pether's widow, mounted to the back.  There is some discoloration to the white surround background but the characters are terrific!