Clearly the American Indian attendees are observing a Hopi snake dance. Sheets of rain are falling in the distance, a downpour. Dust is being kicked up due to the activity of various participants below the watchers.
Each figure is individualized. The artist either knew those standing above the acitivity or based this painting on a photograph of people gathered as we see them.
Titled on verso "Hotevilla Arizona Hopi Snake Dance 1945"
Very likely the work of Robert Joadrie Sterner, a fashion illustrator and commercial artist for the Walt Disney company. Sterner worked on the Fantasia production by Disney. He died in 1947 the year after Hotevilla Arizona was painted.
Description | Clearly the American Indian attendees are observing a Hopi snake dance. Sheets of rain are falling in the distance, a downpour. Dust is being kicked up due to the activity of various participants below the watchers. Each figure is individualized. The artist either knew those standing above the acitivity or based this painting on a photograph of people gathered as we see them. Titled on verso "Hotevilla Arizona Hopi Snake Dance 1945" Very likely the work of Robert Joadrie Sterner, a fashion illustrator and commercial artist for the Walt Disney company. Sterner worked on the Fantasia production by Disney. He died in 1947 the year after Hotevilla Arizona was painted. |
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About the Artist | 20th century painter, likely American |
Culture | USA |
Style | Nostalgic American Indian |
Medium | Oil on panel |
Sight size | 19 1/2" height X 27 1/2" width |
Frame | Heavily textured wood molding |
Frame size | 23 1/2" height X 31 1/4" width |
Signed | "Sterner 46" at viewer's lower right |
Date of creation | 1946 |
Condition | Excellent, painting has been professionally conserved (cleaned and fresh varnish application) |
Provenance | MU, an avid art collector west of Phoenix |