Cigar Store Indian c. 1937

Editor: Here we have "Cigar Store Indian," a drawing from around 1937 by Henry Tomaszewski. The figure rendered in the portrait, to me, looks incredibly dignified, almost regal. I’m curious, what aspects stand out to you when you view it? Curator: Dignified is a wonderful word for it. For me, the piece brings to mind the complicated history surrounding these figures. Tomaszewski has rendered a symbol, the "Cigar Store Indian," typically a wood carving. He used drawing materials. Why capture it? The piece whispers questions, don't you think? Editor: I see your point! Shifting it to drawing changes the cultural context of it. Do you mean how its three-dimensionality and imposing size as a sculpture becomes flattened and re-presented? Curator: Precisely! It makes you ponder intention. Was Tomaszewski critiquing its usage, almost archiving the statue as an outdated symbol? The original wood sculptures were meant to entice customers. Does the change to a drawing diminish that? And I can't help but wonder about his choice of colours - what stories do they weave, eh? Editor: It's such a strong visual and your interpretation has illuminated so much beyond its surface appearance for me. Curator: Yes, indeed! We bring our histories, biases, and understanding to a work of art, which, of course, creates fresh life and breath and discussion for the image. Editor: Definitely! Thank you! I am thinking of so much beyond how it strikes me from a first impression.