Four Standing Figures
Work on paper, likely a gouache or watercolor painting • Sam English (Anishinaabe/Turtle Mountain Chippewa)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American Art / Southwestern Modernism
Medium & Technique
Gouache and/or watercolor on heavy-weight paper or cardstock with deckled edges. Employment of flat color fields and stylized, elongated forms characteristic of Modernist Native American art.
Creation Period
Late 20th century (circa 1980-2000)
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 24 x 10 inches (artwork only), Portrait format. Overall framed size approximately 36 x 20 inches.
Subject Description
Four highly stylized, elongated figures wearing traditional regalia and head feathers. They appear to be engaged in a ceremony or gathering, possibly holding a horizontal object (such as a drum or platter). The figures are rendered with minimal facial detail and long, flowing vertical lines that merge into a pool of blue color at the base.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent. The artwork appears well-preserved behind glass in a professional multi-layered matting. Paper retains distinct deckled edges.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000
Auction Estimate
$800 - $1,500
Provenance History
Likely acquired from a gallery in the American Southwest (San Francisco, Santa Fe, or Albuquerque area) where Sam English maintained his studio and gallery. No visible labels, but typical of 1990s retail mounting.
Art Historical Significance
Sam English is a prominent figure in contemporary Native American art, known for his message of healing and sobriety. His work blends traditional indigenous subject matter with 20th-century figurative abstraction. This piece is representative of his mature style involving graceful, vertical elongation.
Notable Features
Features the artist's distinctive 'Sam English' signature in the upper right quadrant. The use of a vertical 'totem' composition and the specific application of the blue base are hallmarks of his late-career aesthetic.
Condition Issues
No significant damage visible. Potential minor fading if exposed to UV light over time, though colors remain vibrant. Slight ripples in the paper are natural to the heavy-weight medium.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of UV-filtering glass or acrylic. Maintain stable humidity and temperature to prevent paper warping. Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent indigo and green pigment degradation.