The Scalp-Lock

Details

ALFRED JACOB MILLER (1810-1874)
The Scalp-Lock
signed with conjoined initials 'AJM.' (lower right)
watercolor, gouache and pencil on paper
11 3⁄4 x 9 1⁄2 in. (29.9 x 24.1 cm.)

Provenance

Dr. Charles M. Franklin.
Private collection, Lafayette, Indiana, gift from the above, 1933.
Christie's, New York, 5 December 2002, lot 176, sold by the above.
Acquired by the late owner from the above.

Literature

Conditions of sale

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Lot Essay

A related oil painting titled The Scalplock (circa 1850) is in the collection of the Denver Art Museum, Denver, Colorado.

Alfred Jacob Miller wrote of his subject, "...an Indian has secured the scalp-lock of his enemy, and is making good his escape,—for this honor awaits him in his camp, and it often presents a strong claim for the post of a chief or brave." (as quoted in M. Ross, The West of Alfred Jacob Miller, Norman, Oklahoma, 1951, p. 192)

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