Highlights of the Academy collection of Seton Drawings and Paintings
Untitled sketch of teepees by Ernest Thompson Seton
ALL #0942 Untitled teepee study. Pen & ink on paper. 12.7 x 36.6cm. Published in Two Little Savages, first edition pg. 162. Likely drawn by 1902 in time for inclusion in the book. This drawing is not directly referenced in the text. A version of it appeared in Chapter VII, “The Calm Evening.” It would have made more sense showing up in the previous section, Chapter VI, “The Making of the Teepee.”
The nine teepees could not have been in one place at one time but must be from earlier sketches (not found) starting from the time of his Yellowstone National Park visit of 1897. Seton was enamored of the of the conical shape and the many designs used by individual artists. He has set up on the nine teepees as a kind of still life although without much use of perspective. Designs range from abstract symbols to active storytelling and are in each instance active and bold, significant and original works of art.
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