The Old Chief's Query

or
[Old Chief's Query]

Generously provided by Autry Museum of the American West

Although the first extant exhibition record of this painting was 1925, it is felt that stylistically (coloration, lighting, and composition) and thematically it relates to much earlier examples of Sharp's work. A smaller painting, The Malcontents of about 1912, seems to fit well as a companion piece. (related image 513)



     It is difficult to discern the meaning of this work. The chief has evidently posed a question of the gathered group of men and women. One woman holds her chin as if pondering an answer.

     There seem to be other versions of this subject. One, comprising almost twice as many figures and without the dragonfly robe, was titled The Chief’s Query. (Bickerstaff, 1983, following 68) (related image 107 a)

Peter H. Hassrick

Artist: Joseph Henry Sharp
Date: before 1915
Catalogue Number: 107
Medium: oil on canvas
Inscriptions: LR: J.H.SHARP.

On brass plaque: Old Chief's Query / by J.H. Sharp / Class of 1927 / Charles H. Porter Memorial Collection

Dimensions: 30 x 40 in.
Credit Line: Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles, CA
Accession Number: 2012.37.1
Subjects: Chief, firelight, group, interior, men, women

The artist; [?]; [Nedra Matteucci Gallery, Santa Fe, NM]; Loretta and Victor Kaufman; present owner by gift

This work, or a closely related version of it, was included in Sharp's annual exhibition in Cincinnati, in 1925 hosted by the Traxel Art Galleries, Exhibition of Indian Paintings.

The Old Chief's Query

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