Cigar Store Indian

c. 1938

Walter Hochstrasser

Associated Names
Walter Hochstrasser

Artist, American, born Switzerland, 1901 - 1975

The sculpture depicts a Native American figure standing in a poised stance. The subject is adorned with a headdress featuring multiple feathers that emphasize the vertical aspect of the sculpture. The figure appears to be holding a conch shell in one hand, while the other hand is raised to the forehead. This gesture suggests a sense of looking into the distance. The sculpture is painted with a color palette that includes earth tones such as browns and beiges for the skin and clothing, with accents of red and blue adding contrast. The material appears to be some form of painted wood or ceramic, giving the sculpture a smooth and slightly glossy finish. The figure's attire includes detailed clothing with fringed garments and various ornaments. A vibrant cape or drape, colored in contrasting blue and red, further adds to the visual intricacy of the sculpture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and heightening on paperboard

  • Credit Line

    Index of American Design

  • Dimensions

    overall: 50.9 x 38.4 cm (20 1/16 x 15 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.8.10083


Artwork history & notes

Inscriptions

across bottom in graphite: HOCHSTRASSER DATA SHEETS IN POSESSION OF VINCENT MC PHARLIN METAL FIGURE FOSTER MUSEUM TRAVERSE

Wikidata ID

Q64634068

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