2021 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 235256 / 375  •  View Catalog  •   • 

235
Paul Pletka (b. 1946)
Crow Indian (1975)
acrylic on canvas
48 × 60 inches
signed lower left

Describing this painting Edna Gundersen wrote, “Historians reason that the Crows survived as a tribe because they cooperated with the government during the Indian Wars of the late nineteenth century. A few wise men among them realized there was no use fighting the overwhelming tide of Anglo humanity. Along with some Shoshones, they were enlisted as scouts, thereby managing to keep small portions of their homeland without being moved about too much; the Crow reservation is still located in Montana. The Crow Indian in this painting displays a potpourri of war emblems, including a warrior narrative drawn across his old robe adorned with pony beads. The American flag painted on his face is Pletka’s indication he is a scout. The gear on his head includes a horned medicine bonnet. A war whistle is affixed to the crow on his robe.”

LITERATURE
Paul Pletka, Pletka, Northland Press, 1983, p. 60-61, illustrated

235

Paul Pletka

b. 1946

Crow Indian (1975)
acrylic on canvas
48 × 60 inches
signed lower left
Sold at Auction: $48,400
Condition ReportSurface condition is excellent. No signs of restoration.

Important Notice: Statements of condition are provided as a service to potential bidders; such statements are educated opinions and should not be regarded as facts. The Coeur d’Alene Art Auction has no responsibility for any errors or omissions.