Indian Hunter and His Dog

Paul Manship, Indian Hunter and His Dog, 1926, bronze, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.11
Copied Paul Manship, Indian Hunter and His Dog, 1926, bronze, 23 1423 127 in. (59.059.717.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1965.16.11

Artwork Details

Title
Indian Hunter and His Dog
Artist
Founder
Alexis Rudier Fondeur
Date
1926
Dimensions
23 1423 127 in. (59.059.717.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Mediums
Mediums Description
bronze
Classifications
Keywords
  • Animal — dog
  • Indian
  • Occupation — hunter
  • Figure male — full length
Object Number
1965.16.11

Artwork Description

Paul Manship created many sculptures of Native American hunters, including this one for a fountain in Cochran Memorial Park in his hometown of St. Paul. The subject was a favorite of the artist's because it reminded him of his childhood in Minnesota, and he returned to it often throughout his career. In these sculptures the determined expressions and animated poses of the figures evoke the excitement of the chase. Here, the hunter's arrows, feathers, loincloth, and right leg form strong horizontal elements that correspond to his dog's urgent movement. The dog gazes upward at the arrows, creating a link that establishes the cooperative relationship of hunter and dog.