2019 Coeur d’Alene Art Auction / Lot 120
120
Tom Lovell (1909 – 1997)
Chiricahua Scouts 1886 (1990)
oil on canvas
14 × 18 inches
signed and dated lower left
VERSO
Signed, titled, and dated
Description of painting written in the artist’s hand
The artist wrote, “The U. S. Cavalry, sometimes numbering 5,000 troops, tried unsuccessfully to capture Geronimo. Finally with the aid of Chiricahua scouts this was accomplished. As a disgraceful climax, these very scouts were rounded up with other Apache hostiles and sent to Florida as prisoners of war. They were separated from their families, contrary to promises made by Gen. Miles.
“Here we see two Chiricahua scouts pausing for a drink of water. They carry Springfield 45-70 rifles, McClennan saddles and other U. S. gear. They were truly ‘Army surplus’ in 1886.”