Dogman (Portrait of Bone)
Original drawing/mixed media on paper • Rick Bartow (1946–2016)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Native American Art / Neo-Expressionism
Medium & Technique
Mixed media including charcoal, pastel, and possibly acrylic or ink wash. Features gestural hatching, smudging, and a flat ochre/gold background wash.
Creation Period
circa 1980s - 1990s
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 30 x 22 inches; vertical portrait format.
Subject Description
A monolithic, anthropomorphic figure combining canine and human characteristics. The piece features a central totemic figure with a transformation theme, common in Northwest indigenous mythology, specifically exploring the 'Dogman' or 'Coyote' trickster motifs. The composition is a frontal bust-length portrait with intense, piercing eyes and a split-tonality face.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The work appears stable behind glass, but shows some light rippling of the paper support (cockling) characteristic of heavy medium application.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $8,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $6,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely acquired through a gallery specializing in Pacific Northwest or Contemporary Native American art. Inscribed at the bottom with a title and artist signature 'Bartow'.
Art Historical Significance
Bartow was a pivotal member of the Mad River Band of Wiyot Indians. His work is significant for bridging personal trauma, spiritual transformation, and Indigenous storytelling. His inclusion in major collections like the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian cements this work's importance as an example of late 20th-century Native American expressive art.
Notable Features
Hand-signed and titled in the lower margin. The 'split' face technique is a hallmark of Bartow’s style, symbolizing dual identities and the thin veil between the animal and human spirits.
Condition Issues
Visible cockling/waving of the paper. Potential for acid transfer from non-archival matting if not recently reframed. Minor reflections in the photograph suggest it is framed under standard glass rather than museum-grade acrylic.
Conservation Recommendations
Remount using archival, acid-free materials and 'hinging' technique to allow the paper to breathe. Replace glass with UV-protective museum glass to prevent fading of the charcoal and pigments.