Flute Dancer
Limited edition print on paper • Woodrow Wilson 'Woody' Crumbo (1912–1989), Potawatomi artist.
Style & Movement
Bacone school / Traditional Native American Flatstyle; part of the Native American Modernism movement.
Medium & Technique
Serigraph (silk screen) or high-quality lithograph; characterized by flat color planes and precise line work typical of the Bacone style.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 20th Century (Circa 1960s-1980s)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 16 x 20 inches including matting; Portrait orientation.
Subject Description
A ceremonial flute dancer depicted in traditional regalia, including an eagle feather headdress and fur-trimmed leggings. The figure is shown in a dynamic profile pose against a stylized sun or shield motif. The work emphasizes rhythm and grace, typical of Crumbo's celebration of indigenous dance.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the colors appear vibrant with no immediate signs of significant foxing or water damage visible under the glass.
Estimated Market Value
$400 - $800 USD
Auction Estimate
$300 - $600 USD
Provenance History
Limited edition 68 of 350. Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in Western or Native American art or directly from the artist's studio/estate distributions.
Art Historical Significance
Woody Crumbo was a pivotal figure in 20th-century Native American art, known for bridging traditional motifs with contemporary graphic sensibilities. His work is held in major institutions like the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Notable Features
Hand-signed 'Woody Crumbo' in pencil/ink at bottom right; numbered '68/350'. Features high-contrast outlining and meticulous detail in the feather work.
Condition Issues
Minor potential for paper yellowing (acid burn) from the original matting; slight reflection in the glass prevents a full assessment of the paper's surface texture.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free archival matting and UV-protective museum glass to prevent fading and paper degradation. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Collector Notes
Flute dancer 68/350 signed print