The Indian Hunter
John Quincy Adams Ward
(American, 1830–1910)
about 1860
Object PlaceNew York, New York, United States
Medium/TechniqueBronze; gray-black over red-brown patina, sand cast
Dimensions39.37 x 35.56 x 26.67 cm (15 1/2 x 14 x 10 1/2 in.)
Credit LineFrank B. Bemis Fund
Accession number1979.11
On View
On viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
"The Indian Hunter" represents Ward's efforts to develop American-rather than ancient or classical-themes in his work. Unlike coolly composed Neoclassical sculpture, the diagonal thrust of the youth's muscular figure, leaning forward to restrain his snarling dog, conveys powerful emotion and a sense of tense dynamism. The sculpture also reflects the mid-century interest in depicting Native American life, which some viewed romantically as emblematic of the natural wilderness that defined American culture.
ProvenancePlaza Art Galleries, New York; Mr. and Mrs. Ward Melville, New York; Museum purchase from the Museums at Stony Brook, N.Y., in 1979.
John Quincy Adams Ward
