Description:
Watercolor on paper. Signed l.r.: Dewey, Stamped u.r.: PLANCHE 67.
From: American Indian Painters, Vol. 2, p. 11: Wilson Dewey is a San Carlos apache, and nephew of Maria, the San Ildefonso potter. His first efforts at painting were fumbling attempt in imitation of Whites. Little by little he developed his own style. He received a prize for his work in Puerto Rico and some works of his were reproduced there in the magazine "Illustrator." He also made some murals in Albuquerque. In his "Horse and Rattlesnake", Wilson shows much sophistication. It gives evidence that he has thoroughly mastered and simplified his technique. With a few lines and two yuccas, he amply suggests the dry and unfriendly country of the Apaches of southern Arizona. The attitude of the Indian pony, in which curiosity, fear, and suspicion are equally balanced, is expertly suggested by a few simple lines, so well done that one could almost believe that it was painted by an old Chinese master. Wilson is very interested in the outdoors and sports. He has played football and basketball, and won quite a reputation as a calf roper in the rodeos. After two years in the army, he received a medical discharge and has now returned to his people. (Collection, Oscar Brousse Jacobson)