Fascinated by the exotic world into the Wild West Show of Colonel William Frédérick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, Gauguin wrote to his friends (particularly to Emile Bernard): “[...] you must come and see Buffalo, it is stunning! You can’t miss the show, as it is really interesting.” Due to his American ancestors (Perù), Gauguin identified with that seemingly wild world; after seeing the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, he began to grow his hair and wear a wide-brimmed, which was similar to the one worn by Buffalo Bill. The presence of the Wild West Show fascinated both the artists of the École de Barbizon and the Impressionists, who were impressed by this shining world. Rosa Bonheur took advantage from the opportunity to make a historic portrait of Buffalo Bill.