For your consideration is this large, original Frank B. Fiske canvas print of his photo titled, "Leans On The Wind", from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. He learned the trade from S.T. Fansler, post studio photographer, and remained in Fort Yates to document the town, the Standing Rock Agency, and the changing ways of the frontier. The canvas print shows an older Native American woman named Leans On The Wind, posing for a photo. She appears to have a reluctant look on her face as many Native Americans at the time did not like to be photographed. She has her eyes closed and her lips pursed as if she is displeased with the photo. It is signed on the bottom reading, "Leans On The Wind, Sioux, Fiske Photo". The piece shows good condition overall with little to no wear present to the frame or photo, and no signs of damage is noted. The visible canvas print measures 19 5/8" L x 15 5/8" W, while the entire piece measures 21 1/8" L x 17 1/8" W x 1 1/4" D. It has a total weight of 3 pounds and 10 ounces.
Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.