Attributed to Alfred Jacob Miller (American, 1810-1874) Indian Encampment

Description:

Attributed to Alfred Jacob Miller (American, 1810-1874)

Indian Encampment
Monogrammed "AJM" l.l.
Oil on canvas, 13 3/4 x 21 7/8 in. (35.0 x 55.5 cm),in a period frame.
Condition: Lined, retouch, fine craquelure.

Provenance: Found in an antique shop in Baltimore, Maryland, in the early 1950s by Dr. Charles W. Porter, collector and historian of the National Park Service; by gift to the current Virginia collection, c. 1990s.

N.B. This work, as attributed to Miller, would be one of four versions of the subject matter done by the artist. Three versions have been published, but this work, hitherto unknown and in private hands since the early 1950s, has not been published in any of the modern books on Miller. One version of the composition, measuring 17 3/4 x 24 inches and titled Sioux Camp, was sold at Parke-Bernet in December, 1971. A second version, entitled Sioux Indians in the Mountains, was published in The West of Alfred Jacob Miller (see below),p. 202.

The lot is accompanied by the hardcover book, The West of Alfred Jacob Miller, with an account of the artist by Marvin C. Ross (Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press, 1968). Inserted in the book is a letter from the author to Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Porter. The letter does not mention this painting in particular.
Estimate $5,000-7,000

Framed dimensions are 23 1/4 x 31 inches. Frame appears to be period.

Lined and stretched onto a new stretcher. Significant retouch, especially to the upper left quadrant, and with multiple dots of retouch stretching through the center. On the u.l. there are many dots and dashes of retouch forming horizontal and vertical lines in the sky and down the left side edge. Dots of retouch throughout the horse including an 8 inch diagonal line coming up from the l.c. foreground and finishing in the horse's rump, and another smaller line descending from the rump on the left side. A concentrated area of retouch to the l.r. corner.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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