Fritz William Scholder (American - Mission/Luiseno, 1937-2005). "The Sarcophagus" color lithograph, 1979. Edition 118 of 150. Signed at lower left and edition at lower right. Artist's "FS" blind stamp in lower center and Stephen Britko's blind stamp in lower right. An impressive color lithograph by Fritz Scholder depicting an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus in profile facing right. Vibrantly emerging from a dark background, the sarcophagus stands tall with clearly defined features yet free-flowing strokes coloring the body. Scholder once stated the following about color, "One color by itself isn't that interesting—it's the second color and a third color, and a dialogue starts and pretty soon you're swept up in it." This composition was likely inspired by Scholder's trip to Egypt in 1974 when he painted the sphinx and pyramids; he then returned at the invitation of famed archeologist Kent Weeks in 1982. Size of image: 22.25" W x 30" H (56.5 cm x 76.2 cm) Size: 30.9" W x 39" H (78.5 cm x 99.1 cm)

Fritz Scholder is best known for creating powerful depictions of Native Americans that depart from stereotypes. Interestingly, although Scholder was enrolled as a member of the Luiseno tribe, he oftentimes claimed that he was not actually Indian. Nevertheless, his art demonstrated a refreshing rejection of sentimental, romantic portrayals of indigenous peoples. In his words, "I have painted the Indian real, not red." He based his imagery on actual historical research. For example, Scholder revealed that his painting of a Native American wrapped in an American flag, an image that has become iconic, was based on "19th-century prison photographs of Indians dressed in surplus flags in lieu of their confiscated tribal regalia." In addition to the meaningful political messages of his art, Scholder's style, with its kinetic brushwork and vibrant colors, have truly set him apart. Various art historians have described Scholder's style as a fusion of Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism. Scholder, however, referred to himself an "American expressionist" who celebrated paint and what it can do. In his words, "Paint drips, it smears. It's not because I'm trying to fool anyone into thinking this is a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface ..."

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-Altermann Galleries and Auctioneers, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA

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#174758

Signed in lower left and edition in lower right. Artist's "FS" blind stamp in lower center and Stephen Britko's blind stamp in lower right. Set in custom matte and frame with suspension wire on verso for display. Lithograph has not been examined outside of frame but appears to be in excellent overall condition.