Original Painting of a Lacrosse Player [SOLD]

Johnson Lee Scott (Jonny Hawk) was documented as a Native American game by Jesuit missionary priests as early as the 17^th century.  It has been a sport of many Native tribes.  It is more than a sport and has had a spiritual meaning to players and a way for one to display his warrior capabilities.  The word “la crosse” is a French name, meaning “the stick,” and was first used by a French Jesuit missionary in 1637 witnessing an Iroquois game.

This painting is an excellent representation of the active manner in which the game is played and the seriousness of the game to Native tribes.  Notice the musculature of the player indicating his active involvement at the moment.  The artist placed no other objects in the background or sky to detract from the viewer’s attention to the ball player.  There is a small amount of grass below his feet and a line of text below the grass stating “teach thy the other, before thyself.”

The painting is double matted and framed in a dark brown wood frame.  It is signed Hawk and dated 76 in lower right.

Condition: appears to be in excellent condition. 

Provenance: from the Friends of the Commerce (TX) Public Library