Couse historian Virginia Couse Leavitt explained, “Between 1916 and 1925 the Beacon Manufacturing Company commissioned at least fourteen paintings from Couse, two or three of which are now among the artist’s best known and most admired works. Couse had not previously done any commercial work. He had never worked as an illustrator, or even as a teacher. Although the Beacon blanket project was purely commercial, Couse approached it in his usual conscientious manner, creating works that have far outlived their original use.

“The commissioned paintings were of Indian men, women, and children in native dress, sometimes of a single figure and sometimes with two figures. Most featured the prominent motif of an Indian blanket, on a loom, wrapped around the figure, or held or displayed in some other manner. The paintings were designed so that the figures could be lithographically reproduced as large cardboard cutouts, which the company provided to retail outlets for use in store and window displays. The cutouts could be arranged to create a diorama effect, and at the discretion of the window designer, the painted Indian blanket could be covered by a modern Beacon blanket.”

PROVENANCE
Beacon Manufacturing Company, New Bedford, Massachusetts
Private collection, New Jersey

Additional Resources

• Eanger Irving Couse’s Past Results
• View Condition Report

Condition ReportSurface is in good condition. Canvas is lined. Large spot of inpainting on Indian’s left arm and by left knee. Spots of inpainting in the background; and on the blanket.

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.