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Western and Contemporary Native American Art
|
- Sale 6381
Live
| Denver
Nov 6 | 10:00 AM MST
Live
| Denver
Sale 6381
| Denver
| Denver
Estimate$150,000 – $250,000
Provenance:
Kennedy & Co., New York, New York.
Clara Peck, New York, New York.
Private Collection, New York.
Mongerson Wunderlich Gallery, Chicago, Illinois.
Acquired directly from the above.
Lot Note:
While Charles Marion Russell was a master at depicting action-packed scenes, he also excelled at capturing the lull preceding them, the moment auguring drama, arousing in the viewer a captivating sense of anticipation. Such is the case with Indians on the Plains, which portrays a group of Indians on horseback perched on an outcropping overlooking a broad Plains landscape.
The panoramic view we behold mirrors that seen by the Indians as they survey the wide expanse, perhaps in preparation for an upcoming raid or hunt. The scene illustrates the build-up of action likely to unfold soon, visually conveyed through the vertical figure of the Indian towering over the landscape, only surpassed by his ominously sharp spear. It also hints at the Indians' deep understanding of their land as a living system, which they would survey looking for clues in seasonal regrowth, changing habitats, and evolving trail markers.
After European contact and throughout the 19th century, Native Americans often served as scouts in the US Army, who sought to leverage their deep knowledge of territory and land formation to locate enemy outposts and gather strategic intelligence. In Indians on the Plains, Russell cleverly weaves centuries-old warfare and hunting tradition with the 19th-century notion of frontier and the conflicts and alliances associated with it, commenting on the adaptability and endurance of Native American tradition.
Framed: 14 x 26 3/8 inches.
Framed under plexiglass.
In overall very good condition. The sheet is laid down to the board at all edges. When framed, the piece is lodged inside the mat. The sheet is lightly toned. When unframed, we notice light mat stain along the extreme outer edges of the work (thin band of discoloration of about 1/8 inch around the image, mostly visible on the lateral edges, and only when the work is unframed). With minor tears to paper along the top outer edge (visible, again, only when the work is unframed), with evidence of handling and associated soiling. Some folding to the paper along the right outer edge. Overall, the image presents well, with a very vibrant palette and well-preserved white gouache highlights. No evidence of restoration, or repair. Additional images available upon request.
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Please email westernart@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.
To request further details about this lot, please email westernart@hindmanauctions.com
Adam Veil
VP, Head of Department, American Art and Pennsylvania Impressionists
