Fritz William Scholder (American - Mission/Luiseno, 1937-2005). "Matador" lithograph in colors on Guarro paper, 1981. Edition 97 of 120. Hand-signed and numbered in pencil. A magnificent rendering of a striking matador by Fritz Scholder. The bullfighter stands proudly and is "dressed to kill" in his Traje de Luces comprised of a short waistcoat or chaquetilla, traditional skintight pants, and a montera hat, with a red cape flowing behind his body. A magnificent work by Scholder of striking form and vibrant hues that conjures images of the bullfighting ritual and the dance-like steps of the corrida. Size: 29.75" L x 22" W (75.6 cm x 55.9 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

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#176332

Hand-signed and numbered in pencil. Guarro watermark at lower right. Very slight crease marks at peripheries that do not impact the central imagery. Otherwise, very nice overall.