Cigar Store Indian c. 1937

Walter Hochstrasser's "Cigar Store Indian" is a realistic depiction of a Native American figure, likely a depiction of a carved wooden figurine often found in front of cigar stores in the early 20th century. Hochstrasser, a renowned artist known for his meticulous detail, captures the worn, weathered texture of the wooden figure with his brushwork. This 1937 watercolor painting, measuring 71.4 x 50.9 cm, focuses on the figure's stoic gaze and intricately carved headdress, capturing the spirit of a bygone era. The painting's composition and subject matter reflect a nostalgic view of American history and the changing landscape of urban life.