The Quest of the War Eagle

Artist Henry Farny (American, 1847 - 1916)

Date1899

MediumGouache on paper mounted on board

DimensionsSheet: 8 7/8 x 5 7/8 inches (22.53 x 14.91 cm)
Framed: 15 x 11 3/4 x 1 1/2 inches (38.1 x 29.85 x 3.81 cm)

Credit LineGift of Rilye (Toi) and George Ashby

Object number2013.11

SignedSigned in gouache, lower right: FARNY

InscribedDated lower right: 99 [1899]

On View

Not on view

Collections

American Art

Terms

DescriptionAt the center of this small gouache on paper, against a mountainous backdrop that fills more than three-quarters of the composition, stands an American Northern Plains Indian. His long black hair is parted down the center and plaited with two braids (signifying that he is likely a member of a Northern Plains tribe) that are ornamented with red trade-cloth hair wraps. He wears a single eagle feather, the quill of which is painted red, in his hair. Multiple necklaces hang around his neck, including, perhaps, a circular peace medal. Large earrings adorn each ear. He wears a plain buckskin shirt, blue trade cloth leggings trimmed with red, and a blue trade cloth blanket wrapped around his lower torso. The blanket extends down to just above his beaded moccasins. He cradles a rifle in the crook of his proper left arm, while raising his proper right hand to his chin. A large, gray, rocky outcropping, against which the Indian leans, extends diagonally into the composition from the upper left. The Indian’s upturned gaze towards the summit of the outcropping combined with his look of consternation suggests that he may be waiting and carefully listening for the object of the “Quest” referenced in the painting’s title.

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