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Chief Bad Yellow Hair, Sioux

Currency:USD Category:Western Americana Start Price:NA Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Chief Bad Yellow Hair, Sioux
Chief Bad Yellow Hair, Sioux
Artist: Balink, HenryDate of Birth: 1882-1963
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 24 x 20 inches
Signed: Signed lower right, titled and inscribed "Satna Fe, NM"

Henry BalinkÕs parents were so hostile to the idea of their son becoming an artist that the boy ran away from home and made a living and paid for classes by skating in competition, entering bicycle racing contests and doing stunts in silent movies. Balink finished school, sailed for America, and found work doing drawings of artifacts at the Met. In 1923, Balink settled in Santa Fe where he became noted for his portraits of Native Americans in bright pastels and earth-shaded primary colors. Chief Bad Yellow Hair was a powerful leader of the Ghost Dancers at Wounded Knee who survived the conflict. Balink painted him more than once, but this portrait, in full headdress, is especially fine.