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James Bama Limited Edition Signed Print

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 1,200.00 USD
James Bama Limited Edition Signed Print
Featured in this lot is a James Bama Signed Limited Edition print, "Pre-Columbian Indian with Atlatl", #559/1500, 1979, hand signed on bottom right corner. "In Wyoming, a group of young Indians have set up a working model of a pre-Columbian village in order to teach the primitive crafts of survival. This painting of a young man holding an atlatl (pronounced at'latl) is of a series of pieces I am doing about these Indians. The atlatl is a device dating back to man's Paleolithic Age. It was used by the hunter to enable him to attain greater speed when throwing his spear – a matter that could result in the difference between life and death for him and his tribe. To use it, the hunter fit the notched end of his spear into the hook of the atlatl and swung both back and then forward over his heard, releasing only the spear to make contact with the prey that would provide food, clothing, shelter, tools and utensils." James Bama (1926-2022) was an American artist known for his realistic paintings and etchings of Western Subjects. Life in Wyoming led to his comment, "Here an artist can trace the beginnings of Western history, see the first buildings, the oldest wagons, saddles and guns, and be up close to the remnants of Indian culture ... And you can stand surrounded by nature's wonders." Bama is considered by many as the most "realistic" illustrator in a galaxy of talented artists. Through his simple, yet powerful compositions, he breathes life and humanity into his subjects. Critics and collectors classify him as a Western artist. He calls himself an "American Realist." In a profile piece about artists who have made the successful transition from illustration to painting western art in Art of the West, Bama says,"It was cheaper than having to build a set. I could do winter stuff in summer and summer stuff in winter. I was busy." In an extremely successful twenty-two year career as a commercial artist, he produced book covers, movie posters and illustrations for such notable magazines as The Saturday Evening Post, Argosy and Reader's Digest. Bama's style is marked by detailed realism tempered by a compassionate understanding of his subjects. This Limited Edition signed print is in very nice condition, no obvious marring noted, and measures 17.75" x 22"L*