Lakota Crow Owner Frank Howell

The composition presents a figure rendered in a style that blends realism with elements suggestive of stylized portraiture. The subject is positioned centrally against a warm, earthy backdrop, which appears to be textured and subtly shaded, creating a sense of depth without sharp definition. A dark border frames the scene, isolating the individual and intensifying focus on him.
Here we see a man adorned in elaborate ceremonial attire. His headwear consists of a feathered headdress, with long black feathers cascading downwards, interspersed with white plumes that create a visual lightness. The arrangement is asymmetrical, contributing to a dynamic feel. A band of dark material crosses his forehead, further emphasizing the structure of the headdress. He wears a flowing white garment draped over what appears to be a decorated robe or shield. This central element displays a geometric design featuring a prominent black bird – likely a crow – rendered in stark silhouette against a background of yellow and orange bands punctuated with small circles. The edges of this ceremonial piece are fringed with feathers, echoing the plumage of his headdress and reinforcing the overall theme of avian symbolism.
The man’s gaze is directed downwards, conveying an impression of introspection or solemnity. His facial features are rendered with a degree of detail; the artist has captured subtle nuances in the shading around his eyes and mouth, suggesting a complex emotional state. The skin tone appears to be reddish-brown, characteristic of indigenous peoples of North America.
The subtexts within this work seem to revolve around themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural heritage. The crow motif is significant; crows often hold symbolic weight in Native American cultures, representing intelligence, transformation, or a connection to the spirit world. The elaborate regalia suggests a position of importance – perhaps a leader, warrior, or ceremonial figure. The downward gaze could signify humility, respect for tradition, or perhaps a sense of burden carried by one entrusted with cultural preservation.
The artist’s choice of color palette – the warm earth tones contrasted with the stark black and white – contributes to the paintings overall mood. The limited range of colors reinforces the solemnity of the subject and emphasizes the symbolic nature of his attire. The composition, while formally structured, avoids rigidity through the asymmetrical arrangement of elements and the flowing lines of the garments, creating a sense of movement and vitality within a moment of quiet contemplation.