WONDERFUL THOMAS V. BROOKS C. 1880S CARVED CIGAR STORE INDIAN TRADE SIGN

This remarkable wood sculpture is a great compositional example of this art form: "The cigar store Indian trade sign." It is full-sized and the subtle color palette the artist used looks even better with the patina of time on it. The realism of the stoic face is a very real testament to the sculptor's technical skill. Attributed to Thomas Brooks with his distinctive Look and color pallet. Thomas brooks (1828-1895), was born in NY and began an apprenticeship in 1840, and by 1853 was operating out of his own shop producing over 200 figures a year. A 1879 advertisement for show figures published in a catalogue issued by Metzler, Rothschild & Co., features a virtually identical Indian Squaw figure by Thomas Brooks; see Fredrick Fried, Artists in Wood, American Carvers of Cigar-store Indians, Show Figures and Circus Wagons (New York 1970) Page 190. A real find in all original condition. Several age cracks consistent with age. Standing on the original wood block. Showing wear to the original polychrome paint. Fresh to the market, last sold in 2006.

Condition: (Good - Very Good).

Item Dimensions: Figure: 51 - 3/4"T, with stand: 70 - 3/4" T.