The Captive Charger, 1880 by W. R. Hassett

W. R. Hassett after Carl WimarThe Captive Charger, 1880Signed W.R. Hassett and dated 1880 and inscribed C. Wimar 1854 (ll); inscribed as titled on the reverseOil on canvas30 x 40 5/8 inches Canvas, 36 1/2 x47 1/4 inches Framed   This dramatic painting depicts American Indians returning home at dusk with a captured horse. The sense of drama is heightened by the silhouettes of the riders, weapons, and tall grasses against the brilliant yellow-orange sunset, and in the expressions of both the men and the horses. Wimar's interest in American Indians developed after moving as a teenager from Germany to St. Louis, Missouri. He sought to record their portraits, rituals, and ways of life, and often concentrated on the conflict between the Indians and the encroaching settlers. Wimar continued to focus on this subject while attending the Düsseldorf Art Academy from 1852 to 1856; he even requested that his family send him American Indian costumes so that he could portray them accurately. As he fi