Salmon Legend
Painting on wood panel • Joe Wilson (Coast Salish)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Northwest Coast Indigenous Art / Coast Salish Art
Medium & Technique
Acrylic paint on a wooden board, executed with clean linework and flat color application characteristic of Northwest Coast First Nations art forms
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century
Dimensions & Format
Estimated 12 x 18 inches, horizontal rectangular format
Subject Description
A stylized depiction of a salmon rendered in traditional Northwest Coast formline design elements, featuring a combination of blue, red, and black shapes with characteristic ovoid and u-form motifs symbolizing the sacred salmon of Pacific Northwest indigenous lore
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition with clean surfaces, vibrant pigments, and minor natural wood grain variations
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 USD
Provenance History
Acquired from a secondary market or gallery setting, bearing the handwritten signature of artist Joe Wilson and title in the lower section
Art Historical Significance
Represents the contemporary continuation and popularization of traditional Coast Salish artistic practices, making indigenous stories and design motifs accessible through modern media like painted wooden panels
Notable Features
Handwritten signature 'Joe Wilson' and title 'Salmon Legend' clearly visible on the lower front wood grain surface
Condition Issues
Minimal surface wear typical of wooden panel artworks kept outside of museum-controlled environments; no major structural cracks or paint loss observed
Conservation Recommendations
Keep in a stable indoor environment away from direct sunlight and extreme humidity fluctuations; dust gently with a soft, dry cloth