Original Painting titled “Mother and Child, On the Trail of Tears” [SOLD]

Lee Roy Joshua was a Creek/Seminole painter and printmaker who was born in Holdenville, OK in 1937. His parents were Dorothy Tiger and Edmond Joshua, and his cousin was Jerome Tiger. Joshua's older brother Edmond Jr. was also an accomplished painter. He received an Indian School education. Patrick D. Lester's The Biographical Directory of Native American Painters includes an excerpt from a show catalog that describes Joshua's beginnings: "In 1967, when Jerome Tiger died, his mother expressed the wish that someone in the family would continue the work he had started, recording the Creek/Seminole culture. This inspired Joshua to become serious about his own art work and pursue a career as a painter."

Joshua received awards from many notable shows and institutions, including the Heard Museum Guild Indian Fair and Market. He was exhibited at the Philbrook Museum of Art,  the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonials, All American Indian Days, the Oklahoma Historical Society Museum, the Trail of Tears Art Show at Oklahoma’s Cherokee National Museum, the Creek Indian Council House Museum, and the Seminole Nation Museum.  His history of exhibitions and awards suggests that he was most active in the late 60s and 70s. Joshua passed away in 2001.

This small painting by Lee Roy Joshua presents a woman kneeling.  In her arms, she cradles a small child. She’s kneeling, protecting her child from the winds that send her long hair out to the side.  A soft streak of white informs the viewer that she’s kneeling in snow. Joshua’s work here is skillful, particularly in the creases and folds of his subject’s clothing.  The image has a strong feeling of depth, thanks in large part to the artist’s careful shading. Joshua titled the image ”Mother and Child, On the Trail of Tears” in bottom center, and signed Joshua ‘76 in lower right. The painting is framed in a simple black frame underneath a bold red mat, creating a very strong visual presentation despite its small size.

Condition: this Original Painting titled "Mother and Child, On the Trail of Tears" is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the large collection of a New York resident

Recommended Reading:  The Biographical Directory of Native American Painters by Patrick D. Lester