Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1444:
Description
This is a compelling, mid-20th-century folk-style oil painting attributed to “Olive Wiprun,” depicting the famed Oglala Lakota (Sioux) leader, Chief Red Cloud. The subject is clearly identified by a label on the back of the frame, which states “CHIEF RED CLOUD (SIOUX).” The portrait presents the Chief wearing traditional attire, including a bone breastplate, a red neck wrap, and a feather in his long, dark hair. The style is somewhat naive, yet evocative, with bold colors used in the headwear and vestment accents, contrasting with the more muted tones of the face and canvas background. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, which is stretched over a wooden stretcher frame and set within a simple, light brown wooden frame. The signature “Olive Wiprun” is clearly visible in the lower left corner of the painting. Condition is fair to good for its age; the canvas appears taut but shows signs of age, including soiling and minor discoloration visible from the verso. The frame shows minor scuffs and surface wear consistent with age and display. The hanging wire and hardware are present. H 24″, W 20″, D 2.75″
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