NOT SOLD (BIDDING OVER), HIGH BID WAS
16,000.00USDby floor+ applicable fees & taxes.
This item WAS NOT SOLD. Auction date was 2025 Aug 23 @ 09:00UTC-07:00 : PDT/MST
Artist: De Cost Smith; Title: Horse Stealing; Medium: Oil on canvas; Dimensions: 18 1/4 x 26 inches; Signed: Signed lower left; Framed/Base: 28 x 36 x 5 inches
This lot's overall appearance is Excellent. This piece was evaluated under a black light. This piece has been lined. 5" x 1/4" line of overpaint along left side running vertically towards the top. Similar 7" x 3/4" line on the right side running vertically toward the top. Below that is a thin 7" line area of overpaint above right figures head in the shape of an arrow 2" x 1". A small 1/4" x 1/4" spot above the heard of horses. A small 1/4" x 1/4" spot left of the bottom of the trail. A very thin line of overpaint above riders where craquelure was present. Some very minor craquelure visable in the sky.
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Provenance:
Private Collection, Nevada
De Cost Smith was born in 1864 in upstate New York and was immediately drawn to the life and culture of the American Indians he came across around his home. His childhood home was located near the Reservation of the Onondaga Tribe. Like early members of the Taos Society of Artists, Smith studied art in New York City before traveling to the Academie Julian in Paris, where his scenes of Native life were shown in the school’s salons. At this early moment in his career, he was also inspired by the Indian paintings of George De Forest Brush.
In 1884, he took his first trip to the Dakota Territory to complete more paintings of Native life. Here he traveled extensively among the many tribes of the plains and even learned to speak several dialects. He illustrated many articles for Outing Magazine along with fellow artist Edwin Willard Deming. His archives can be found at Cornell University and several of his works can be found in the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City.
His later work focused on the difficulties faced by the Sioux people. His painting Driven Back was included in the art exhibition at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Auction Location:
7176 E Main Street, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251, United States
Previewing Details:
The full auction will be available to view in-person beginning July 28, 2025. Open Monday - Friday 10AM - 5PM.
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Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| CS |
1.7% |
City of Scottsdale |
| SA |
6.3% |
State of Arizona |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
2,000,000.00 |
17% |
| 2,000,000.00 |
Infinite |
12% |
Additional Fees:
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