Lot 246
**First Time At Auction**
Fritz William Scholder (American - Mission/Luiseno, 1937-2005). "Portrait of a Werewolf" color lithograph, ca. 1981. Limited edition - 35 of 120. Hand-signed in lower center with edition number in lower left. A fierce color limited edition lithograph by Fritz Scholder titled "Portrait of a Werewolf" depicting the head of a wolf delineated in rapid, energetic strokes and a dark palette of burgundy and midnight green. Displaying the head and claws of a wolf yet the shoulders and body of a man, the figure is shown from the waist up as he emerges from the deep green of a bush, portrayed via hundreds of diagonal strokes as though to show movement. Blood drips from the mouth of the beast, a remainder from his last violent meal and an allusion to his bloodthirst, as he gazes out at the viewer from narrowed eyes. A mesmerizing image that conveys a deliciously macabre theme, "Portrait of a Werewolf" is among Scholder's visual commentaries on mortality and isolation, exuding an air of mystery, like the artist himself. Size: 22" W x 29.75" H (55.9 cm x 75.6 cm)
Fritz Scholder is best known for creating powerful depictions of Native Americans that depart from stereotypes. Interestingly, although Scholder was enrolled as a member of the Luiseno tribe, he oftentimes claimed that he was not actually Indian. Nevertheless, his art demonstrated a refreshing rejection of sentimental, romantic portrayals of indigenous peoples. In his words, "I have painted the Indian real, not red." He based his imagery on actual historical research. For example, Scholder revealed that his painting of a Native American wrapped in an American flag, an image that has become iconic, was based on "19th-century prison photographs of Indians dressed in surplus flags in lieu of their confiscated tribal regalia." In addition to the meaningful political messages of his art, Scholder's style, with its kinetic brushwork and vibrant colors, have truly set him apart. Various art historians have described Scholder's style as a fusion of Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism. Scholder, however, referred to himself an "American expressionist" who celebrated paint and what it can do. In his words, "Paint drips, it smears. It's not because I'm trying to fool anyone into thinking this is a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface ..."
Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010
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#176330
- Condition: Hand-signed in lower center with edition number in lower left. Slight bending to corners but, otherwise, in overall excellent condition.
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