AMERINDIAN School of the Plains Region, end of the 19th century – beginning of the 20th century (beginning of the Reserves period)

The Indian and the White Man

Graphite and colors on paper

22.5 x 34 cm (at sight)

It presents an animated scene of two characters: an Indian on horseback in cowboy attire is thrown at a gallop on a white man wearing a uniform and a beard.

This design refers to the traditional graphic style of the Plains Indians. We recognize the fine outline in graphite, the profile cutting of the figures, the pointed noses, the eyes and the colored filling in colored pencil.

The sheet of paper used is page 81 of what must have been an old account book.

The influence of Europeans is not at its introduction but already well established: the Indian wears a brown leather uniform with buttons, a belt and a cowboy hat on which a feather has been added. The horseman seems to have retained his long hair – a characteristic of the Plains Indians. The horse, ridden bareback, also wears a feather on its head. The European is on the ground, arms raised, trampled by the horse. Could we read there a victory of the Indians over their conquerors? Could it be the illustration of a battle or a struggle which confronted Indians and Europeans?

Ref. : 1220

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON