The Oil Promoter
Artist
Joseph Henry Sharp
(American, 1859 - 1953)
Date1920
Mediumoil on canvas
Dimensions36 1/4 × 48 1/4 inches (92.1 × 122.6 cm)
Frame: 42 1/4 × 54 × 3 3/4 inches (107.3 × 137.2 × 9.5 cm)
Frame: 42 1/4 × 54 × 3 3/4 inches (107.3 × 137.2 × 9.5 cm)
Credit LinePartial Bequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965 and Partial Gift of Nelda C. Stark, 1973
Object number31.25.73
ClassificationsPaintings
Label TextIn this painting, the oil promoter appears on the right trying to get others to sign away their rights to prospective oil lands. The artist depicts the oil promoter as an Indian connected with Native tradition. He wears an armband and beadwork, and his long hair is braided. But, he has also become part of the modern world with his manufactured hat and Anglo-style shirt and vest. In contrast, the other three Indians represent traditional Native people. The man with the feathered headdress signifies a Plains Indian. The man in the white blanket indicates a person from Taos Pueblo. The man in the plain shirt and dark blanket may represent other Indian people. Sharp contrasts tradition with the “shrewd Indian ‘business’ man” who “has learned some of the tricks of civilization.”
Provenance(Joseph Sartor Galleries, Dallas, Texas); purchased September 2, 1957 by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; ½ interest bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation [1]; remaining ½ interest gifted June 15, 1973 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation by Nelda C. Stark [1909-1999]; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
| 1. Owned jointly by H.J. Lutcher Stark and Nelda C. Stark until his death at which point his ½ interest was bequeathed to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation.
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Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
Joseph Henry Sharp
