2016 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 21
PROVENANCE
Private Collection, CA, 1960s
According to Stick biographer, Michael F. Mordell, “Frank Stick was in Montana at least twice in his life. The second time, in 1924, the Stick family (Frank, wife Maud, daughter Charlotte, son David) along with their close friends the Koerners (W.H.D., his wife Lillian, daughter Ruth Ann, son Bill Jr.) made the trip West in early touring cars, the Stick’s a Dodge, and the Koerner’s a Buick. That was no easy task as the modern interstate highway system did not exist, and the cars not fast by today’s standards. They camped all along the way.
“This Montana image, dated 1915, depicts two men adjusting their pack horse in a mountain meadow trail bursting with crimson Indian Paintbrush flowers. It was most likely the result of sketches and studies from Stick’s time as a hunting and fishing guide. There are several photographs of Stick dressed exactly like the man in the center with the red scarf and holstered revolver.”