The Unknown Explorers is a study in sunlight and shadow. In this painting, rather than riding into darkness, a party of explorers emerge from the shadows into dazzling sunlight. But the emotion of riding into the unknown is effectively conveyed by the very glare of the sun, so harsh that it temporarily blinds the mountain men. A world of unseen perils is opening up before them. From the alert posture of Remington’s unknown explorers one can conclude that locating the next waterhole will be the least of their worries.