Cigar Store Indian c. 1937

This painting by Walter Hochstrasser, created in 1937, depicts a "Cigar Store Indian" figure. These figures, often carved from wood and painted in vibrant colors, were commonly used as storefront decorations in the 19th and 20th centuries. The artist's meticulous rendering of the figure's intricate details, including the elaborate feathered headdress, the richly patterned clothing, and the stoic facial expression, captures the traditional aesthetic of these iconic figures. The painting offers a glimpse into a bygone era, when cigar stores were a staple of American commerce and these figures served as a symbol of both the store's wares and its place within the community.