BLACKFEET ENCAMPMENT, A

Clarke, John L. (1881-1970)

Wood

1956

X1959.12.01

This large bas relief sculpture is one of several works representing Blackfeet culture that Clarke completed for public buildings. The Montana Historical Society commissioned this piece in 1953. Clarke's reply to a letter asking about an expected completion date illustrates his humorous storytelling: "He sent a simple postcard showing rugged Glacier peaks with an elk on the left peak and on the far right John in his jeep heading toward the elk." Two years later, Clarke carved this panel in the lobby over two months.

The masterful work was displayed for many years at the University of Montana an the Montana Scholl for the Deaf and Blind.