Oscar Howe
(1915-1983, Yanktonai Dakota)
Smoke signals, circa 1953
Casein on paper
Initialed lower right: OC; inscribed and dated in ink, presumably in another hand, on the frame's backing paper: "Done to be used / as a letterhead;" titled by repute
Image/Sheet: 25.75" H x 7" W (irreg.)
Provenance: John "Leonard" Jennewein, acquired from the artist circa 1953
Linova Jennewein, daughter of Leonard, Rapid City, SD
By descent from the above, Rapid City, SD

Other Notes: Oscar Howe (1915-1983) was a renowned Native American artist who is best known for his innovative and expressive depictions of traditional Dakota culture and mythology. Born on the Crow Creek Reservation in South Dakota, Howe grew up immersed in his heritage and was deeply influenced by the rich visual traditions of his people.

Despite facing significant obstacles as a Native American artist in a predominantly white art world, Howe persevered and became one of the most respected and celebrated artists of his generation. Howe experimented with a wide range of artistic styles and techniques, eventually developing a highly individualized style that blended traditional Dakota imagery with contemporary abstract forms. He drew inspiration from the geometric designs and bright colors of Dakota beadwork and quillwork, as well as from the bold, sweeping lines of modernist painting.

Throughout his career, Howe created a vast body of work that included paintings, drawings, prints, and murals, as well as sculptures and installations. His art was exhibited widely in galleries and museums across the United States and Europe, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field. Despite facing discrimination and marginalization throughout his life, Oscar Howe remained committed to his artistic vision and his cultural heritage.

In 2022, a major exhibition titled "Dakota Modern: The Art of Oscar Howe" opened at the National Museum of the American Indian, New York which reintroduced Howe's work to contemporary audiences. The exhibition subsequently traveled to the Portland Art Museum in Oregon and will be on view at the South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University from June 10, 2023 to September 17, 2023.

Oscar Howe and John "Leonard" Jennewein were good friends/colleagues at Dakota Wesleyan University, where Jennewein was a professor of history and of English from 1953 until his death in 1968. This piece of Howe's artwork was to be adapted to copy paper letterhead. It Is unknown if this ever happened.

Overall good condition. A pea-sized unobtrusive area of craquelure in the black pigment of the top figure's hair. Occasional, scattered and minor surface scuffs in the black and pink pigments. Very slight abrasions in places at the tips or extreme edges of the cut paper features that extend beyond the window opening of the mat. The sheet is attached to the overmat with various small pieces of tape in places along each of the sheet edges, verso.

Framed under glass: 30.5" H x 10.5" W x 0.75" D Condition reports are offered as a courtesy and are typically published in Moran's catalogue or can be made available upon request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that an item is free from defects or restoration, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of others. Buyers are responsible for determining to their own satisfaction the true nature and condition of any lot prior to bidding. Though buyers are not legally required to inspect lots prior to purchase, failure to do so may constitute a waiver of complaint that an item was not delivered in a condition equal to the existent condition at the auction.