Cigar Store Indian c. 1937

Alice Domey’s “Cigar Store Indian” (c. 1937) is a watercolor painting depicting a traditional American “Indian” figure. These figures, often carved from wood and painted in vibrant colors, were a common sight in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Domey’s painting captures the stylized form and exaggerated features of these iconic figures, emphasizing their role as symbols of American history and culture. The painting’s realistic details and skillful use of color imbue the subject with a sense of life and dignity, prompting viewers to consider the complex history and cultural significance of these representations.