Mystic Warrior (or similar title from the Ledger/Petroglyph series)
Limited edition print (lithograph or serigraph) on paper • Harold Larsen (American, 1935–2021)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American Art / Southwestern Modernism
Medium & Technique
Original design created with mixed media (acrylic and charcoal); transitioned to print via photolithography or high-quality screen printing
Creation Period
Late 20th Century (circa 1980s–1990s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 24 x 36 inches; Vertical Portrait format
Subject Description
A portrait of an Indigenous elder or shaman with white hair, wrapped in a vibrant red robe or blanket. The figure is set against a background featuring petroglyph-style line drawings of horses, warriors, and celestial symbols, bridging the gap between ancestral history and the living subject.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (visible through glass); apparent light fading and a distinct glare from the glazing suggesting a non-UV protective glass was used.
Estimated Market Value
$200 - $500 USD
Auction Estimate
$150 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired via a gallery specializing in Southwestern or Contemporary Native American art. Visible numbering '59/450' indicating a limited edition run.
Art Historical Significance
Harold Larsen was a significant figure in the Santa Fe art scene, known for blending abstract Expressionism with traditional Indigenous motifs. This work reflects the late 20th-century trend of honoring Native American heritage through a modern, atmospheric lens.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive bold 'LARSEN' signature in the lower right; hand-numbered 59/450 in the lower left corner. The use of the red blanket provides a striking focal point against the muted, prehistoric-style background sketches.
Condition Issues
Possible light-struck fading to the red pigments; minor ripples in paper (cockling) may be present; frame edges show typical age-related wear.
Conservation Recommendations
Re-frame using acid-free archival mounting and UV-filtering Museum Glass to prevent further pigment degradation. Keep out of direct sunlight.