Offered in this lot is a James Bama print, "Oldest Living Crow Indian," 1981, signature on bottom left corner. "Portrayed here at the age 91, Robert Yellowtail was the oldest living Crow Indian. When I first spotted him, he was sitting proud and erect on the back of his horse, as I have portrayed him here. Just a few minutes later, he spurred his horse and took off with the agility and bearing of a 20 year old. The colors in the bead work used for Indian costumes are very significant as you can usually identify a particular tribe by the colors they wear. Most beads used today are 'white man's beads' and are rather garish. The challenge I find in painting a contemporary Indian in costume is to harmonize the colors for the sake of art. James Bama (1926-2022) was an American artist known for his realistic paintings and etchings of Western Subjects. Life in Wyoming led to his comment, "Here an artist can trace the beginnings of Western history, see the first buildings, the oldest wagons, saddles and guns, and be up close to the remnants of Indian culture ... And you can stand surrounded by nature's wonders." Bama is considered by many as the most "realistic" illustrator in a galaxy of talented artists. Through his simple, yet powerful compositions, he breathes life and humanity into his subjects. Critics and collectors classify him as a Western artist. He calls himself an "American Realist." In a profile piece about artists who have made the successful transition from illustration to painting western art in Art of the West , Bama says,"It was cheaper than having to build a set. I could do winter stuff in summer and summer stuff in winter. I was busy." In an extremely successful twenty-two year career as a commercial artist, he produced book covers, movie posters and illustrations for such notable magazines as The Saturday Evening Post, Argosy and Reader's Digest. Bama's style is marked by detailed realism tempered by a compassionate understanding of his subjects. This print is in very nice condition, no obvious marring noted. Measures 26.25"L x 22"W.*