Untitled Painting of a Bird and Fish [SOLD]

This original painting was created by Norval Morrisseau, a famous and influential artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. Due to its prominence and value, Morriseau's work was targeted and replicated heavily by forgers, in what Canadian authorities called "the biggest art fraud in world history." In March 2023, the Ontario Provincial Police pressed charges against eight people who were involved in the creation, distribution, and sale of the forgeries. Over 1000 forged paintings were identified and recovered. Many more likely exist in collections around the world.

This piece, fortunately, is undoubtedly authentic. The family who brought it to Adobe Gallery purchased it in 1990 from Leona Lattimer, a dealer who worked directly with Morriseau during that time. Leona Lattimer's original purchase receipt and an additional authentication letter obtained from Lattimer Galleries in 2023 confirm authenticity. Both are included with the painting.

With this piece, Morrisseau offered a depiction of a bird and a fish in vibrant primary colors, augmented with green, black, purple, and a lighter blue. The bird stands on its legs, occupying much of the image, with the fish appearing behind or below the larger figure. Bright colors within and around bold black outlines are characteristic of Morriseau's style, which remains fresh and compelling today. When viewing this piece, it is easy to see why Morrisseau's work is so highly regarded—there is depth, energy, and beauty in this image. It commands attention from a distance and rewards the viewer who chooses to study it closely.

Norval Morrisseau (March 14, 1932 - December 4, 2007) Copper Thunderbird was a self-taught artist from the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential Indigenous Canadian artists. Morriseau's grandfather, a medicine man and shaman, raised him and taught him about his people's beliefs and traditions. Morriseau incorporated imagery from his interpretations of these traditions into his work. Despite struggling with alcoholism and a number of other health issues, Morriseau went on to become one of the most accomplished and acclaimed Indigenous Canadian artists of his era. His work is internationally recognized and collected. Norval Morrisseau passed away in 2007 due to complications related to Parkinson's disease.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Untitled Painting of a Bird and Fish is from a private New Mexico collection, originally purchased from Leona Lattimer in 1990.