This is an original John David Chapman (American, 1951-) oil painting on canvas of Sih-Chida ("Yellow Feather") a Mandan Warrior circa 1833. The painting was finished September 2024.
Sih-Chida ("Yellow Feather"), was a member of the Dog Soldier Society of the Mandan tribe. In it, he wears the beaded hair brows with long strings of dentalium shells and beads, a member of the Dog Society, the cluster of feathers at the back of his head may be an insignia of that group. Around his neck is draped a tippet of otter fur, the ends fringed with quill-wrapped leather. His heel-trailers are made of otter fur lined with red cloth and represent battle exploits. Karl Bodmer painted Sih-Chida and Mahchsi-Karehde in 1833 and published the hand-colored aquatint engravings in “Travels in the Interior of North America between 1832-1834” by Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp Zu Wied-Neuweid.
The piece is signed bottom right, “John David Chapman 2024” and is marked on the back, “24 x 36 Oil from Karl Bodmers Water Color of Mandan Warrior Sih Chida Commrade of Mahchsi Karede Flying War Eagle Painted on these days Aug. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Sept. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 Signed Sept. 23 2024 (signed) Chapman”. John David Chapman is an American rustic painter born in 1951. His love of painting began after a relative gifted him with a paint-by-number set when he was seven years old. As a youth he quickly developed a style of his own and became a sought-after artist in his hometown of Clarksville, Texas. In 1988 his life took a dark turn that resulted in a 36-year prison sentence. During these 36 years he continued to develop his skills while finding solace painting in the prison shop. Focusing on historical locations, dilapidated barns, and country scenes, John has sold many works through the Red River Historical Society. “What I feel in my heart” Chapman says, “is rustic nostalgia - deteriorating structures in natural landscapes and detailed massive trees, and blue bonnet landscapes.” Now a free man, Chapman lives in Avery, Texas and spends his days enjoying painting “outside of the walls.” In very good, brand-new condition, this is the first time this piece has been brought to the public market. Measures overall 36-inches by 24-inches. This work has substantially more hours than the last example sold by NAAC in 2024 for over $2,000.