Remington Schuyler (American, 1884-1955). Indian in Canoe (triptych), 1922. Oil on canvas. 20 x 55 inches (50.8 x 139.7 ...

Description

Remington Schuyler (American, 1884-1955)
Indian in Canoe (triptych), 1922
Oil on canvas
20 x 55 inches (50.8 x 139.7 cm) (overall)
Signed lower right: Remington Schuyler

Property from the BSA Settlement Trust, Sold for the Benefit of Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Remington Schuyler, renowned for his vivid illustrations and paintings of the Western frontier, was not only an artist but also an expert on Native American culture. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, he painted, wrote, and lectured extensively on the subject, contributing to hundreds of publications. His deep connection to the American West was also reflected in his long-standing involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, a relationship that spanned more than 30 years. During this time, he served in various roles, from Scout Master to Vice President of Council, and regularly contributed to Boys' Life magazine through his illustrations and writings. Schuyler's work allowed him to share his vision of the Old West with generations of young scouts, inspiring a deep appreciation for the wilderness and the frontier spirit.

Much of Schuyler's expertise in Western culture came from time spent as a young ranch hand on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The experience profoundly influenced his art, lending his works a vivid realism that reflects his time as a cowboy and his lifelong study of Native American and Western traditions. His paintings capture the rugged beauty of the landscape and the quiet dignity of the figures that inhabit it.

In Indian in Canoe, Schuyler's admiration for the sweeping, romantic portrayal of nature is apparent, echoing the style of N.C. Wyeth, one of his contemporaries. The painting's muted color palette, expansive landscape, and atmospheric handling of light all evoke Wyeth's approach to storytelling. Schuyler, like Wyeth, imbues the scene with both a sense of adventure and quiet introspection, focusing on the solitary figure as he navigates the vast and untamed wilderness. The soft morning mist, illuminated by the rising sun, enhances the serene atmosphere, allowing the figure in the canoe to emerge as the central focus amidst the towering pines and tranquil water.

Schuyler's triptych structure in Indian in Canoe also showcases his thoughtful attention to composition. Each panel can stand on its own, yet together they create a unified vision of a peaceful, timeless landscape. The soft hues and radiant glow of the morning light sharpen the viewer's focus on the lone figure, reinforcing the romanticized ideal of the mythic West-a place of solitude, reflection, and contentment. The painting captures the essence of the frontier, where man and nature exist in harmony, far removed from the pressures of modern life.

The work of Remington Schuyler, along with that of his contemporaries, significantly shaped the public's perception of the American West. By portraying the fading frontier in such a romantic and idealized manner, Schuyler and his peers nurtured a fascination with the vanishing wilderness, captivating the imaginations of generations and preserving the spirit of the Old West in American culture.

Opening Bid: $1,000


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