The Flute Player

Edwin Willard Deming, The Flute Player, n.d., oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Victor Justice Evans, 1985.66.362,047
Copied Edwin Willard Deming, The Flute Player, n.d., oil on canvas, 2028 in. (50.871.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Victor Justice Evans, 1985.66.362,047
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Artwork Details

Title
The Flute Player
Date
n.d.
Dimensions
2028 in. (50.871.1 cm.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Victor Justice Evans
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure male
  • Landscape — tree
  • Animal — bear
  • Indian
  • Performing arts — music — flute
Object Number
1985.66.362,047

Artwork Description

Edwin Willard Deming grew up among the Winnebago Indians and devoted his career to picturing Native Americans as peaceful and noble figures. This scene shows the mythical “Indian Orpheus” charming wild animals with the sound of his flute. The brightly colored leaves blanketing the ground and the wide eyes of the animals create a magical kingdom far from the nation’s urban centers. With the onset of industrialization, imaginary, romantic views of Native American life were widely collected by comfortable, middle-class Americans.