Cigar Store Indian c. 1937

This watercolor painting by Ray Price, created around 1937, depicts a "Cigar Store Indian". These figures, often carved from wood and painted in vibrant colors, were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving as advertisement signs for tobacco shops. Price's depiction captures the traditional attire and pose of these iconic figures, with the Native American figure standing on a platform with wheels, suggesting a sense of movement and the figure's role in attracting customers. The detailed rendering of the feathers, jewelry, and clothing showcases Price's skill in capturing the intricacies of these historical artifacts.