PROVENANCE
Frederick (Fritz) Sick, Lethbridge, Alberta, acquired after 1930
Likely by descent within the Sick Family, Alberta
Private Collection, Vancouver
An Important Private Canadian Collection

LITERATURE
Hugh A. Dempsey, History in their Blood: Indian Portraits of Nicholas de Grandmaison, 1982, page 50

The sitter of this portrait is described as below in "History in their Blood: Indian Portraits of Nicholas de Grandmaison" by Hugh A. Dempsey:

"Born in 1872, Wolf Tail was one of the leading doctors and herbalists on the Peigan Reserve. He was employed at the ration house for many years, butchering and issuing beef. While an Indian Department employee, he was one of fourteen men who were persuaded by the Canadian government to sign a document authorizing a vote to surrender almost a quarter of the reserve. This was done supposedly to increase the tribal funds. The petitioner claimed they had not been told what they were signing and, in spite of legal action by the Tribal Council to block the deal, the land was sold to farmers and speculators."

Included with this lot is a copy of a letter of authenticity and description of it's history, signed by Sonia de Grandmaison, daughter of the artist.

According to the letter, Frederick (Fritz) Sick acquired the painting in a card game. The artist was a friend of Emil Sick (son of Fritz) whose portrait he painted. Frederick (Fritz) Sick was the founder of Sick's Breweries Ltd.

All prices are in Canadian Dollars

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