Bidspirit auction | Signed A J Miller The

Signed A J Miller The Blackfeet Watercolor - Item Description: Original signed and framed watercolor of Native American Blackfeet warriors on horseback by renowned American artist, Alfred Jacob Miller (1810-1874). A J Miller was best known for his paintings of trappers and Native Americans in the fur trade of the western United States. The work depicts Blackfeet warriors galloping on horseback en route to battle; hair flowing, axes and bows raised. Dynamic and dramatic rendition, masterful in detail. Artist signed lower left: A J Miller. Roman numeral III in pencil on back of work and frame, possibly denoting series. In 1837 Miller accompanied a Capt. Stewart on an expedition to Wyoming and Utah where he drew hundreds of sketches of tribal life. The expedition known as a ”rendezvous” was actually a rare gathering of trappers, traders and Indigenous Peoples which took place annually in the in the Rocky Mountains in the summers of the 1820s and 1830s, attracting thousands across the West. It was at the expedition of 1837 where A J Miller became the first and only Euro-American artist to attend a Rocky Mountain ”rendezvous”. Thus, as an eyewitness, through his art, Miller created visual testimony of the interactions of these very different populations where trading and celebration took place. He used many of these sketches for oil paintings. Miller returned to Baltimore and in 1858 commenced a commission from William Walters to produce 200 watercolors based on his early sketches. This watercolor, is one of several by Miller depicting the Blackfoot tribe (also known as Blackfeet people ): one of the most revered, respected and fearsome tribes of the Western plains in the 19th Century. Renowned for their hunting prowess and protection of their communities, the Blackfoot also engaged fiercely with rival Native American tribes and British, French and American fur traders, taking horses and preventing poaching of beavers in the upper part of Missouri, respectively. Pictured is an estimate certificate from Christie's provided by the original owner. A printout can be requested. Material: Watercolor Dimensions: Image size: Height: 8 1/2”; Width: 12 1/8”. Framed: Height: 12 1/8”; Width: 15 1/2” Condition: Work was removed from frame for examination: Very Fine. Paint colors crisp and vibrant. Signs of age use and wear include small tear to bottom right edge, linear crease along top left side of work, discoloration/aging to paper. Chips, flea bites to edge of glass panel. Scratches, scuffs, surface dirt to painted wooden frame. Age: 1800s Provenance: Estate of Roberta Silverberg Shipping: $95 Standard (within Continental US) provided In-House. Shipping method is determined by item size, type, fragility and specific characteristics. Shipping and handling costs are calculated based on average carrier rates, delivery distance and packing complexity. PLEASE NOTE: All orders over $500 will require shipping insurance to be paid by the buyer. A fee of $1.50 per $100 of coverage will be added to your shipping and handling cost(s). International Bidders: Please email admin@taurusauctions.com for a shipping quote to your country. Condition Reports: Please see all photos and read entire description before requesting condition reports. Please contact us before bidding if you require additional photos or have any questions regarding condition. Email admin@taurusauctions.com for all condition reports. See all Terms and Conditions prior to bidding