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According to Susan Labry Meyn, author of Henry Farny Paints the Far West, “Plains Indian men aspired to be brave warriors. Traditionally, through daring deeds they earned honor and status in the constant struggle with other Indian nations for horses and hunting grounds—for, like any other group of diverse peoples, Indians competed, quarreled, and warred against each other. The Crow and the Sioux, for example, were bitter enemies.

“Recognition as a warrior was gained by being singularly valiant or skillful in battle, or by capturing or stealing horses from enemies. Horse-stealing allowed warriors to exercise skills of stealth, strategy, and horsemanship, and to acquire wealth and status at the enemy’s expense. A man kept track of his war exploits by illustrating them on a buffalo hide. When a man excelled as a warrior his tribespeople recognized him as a leader who embodied honorable character traits, such as generosity, respectfulness, truthfulness, and courage.”

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, Cincinnati, Ohio
Oklahoma Publishing Co., Okahoma City, Oklahoma
Property from a Private Collection

EXHIBITIONS:
Henry F. Farny, Indian Hill Historical Museum Association, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1975
National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, n.d.

LITERATURE:
Exhibition catalog, Henry F. Farny (Cincinnati, OH: Indian Hill Historical Museum Association, 1975), number 17, illustrated halftone
Denny Carter, Henry Farny (New York, NY: Watson-Guptil Publications, 1978), page 57, illustrated halftone

Condition ReportViewed through glass. Painting in excellent condition.

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.