Woody Crumbo Serigraph “Warrior on Horseback” — Original Screenprint

A dynamic serigraph by Potawatomi artist Woody Crumbo (1912–1989), featuring a Native American warrior in ceremonial dress astride a boldly patterned horse. Crumbo’s hallmark style is evident in the flowing white mane and tail, intricate beadwork, and vibrant red garment, all outlined with rhythmic precision. Set against a soft turquoise background, the composition is both powerful and visually striking. The artist’s name “Crumbo” appears in the screen at the lower right.

Crumbo was a master of silkscreen printing, often employing numerous color layers to achieve luminous tones and stylized movement. His works embody reverence for Native traditions and remain highly sought after, with examples represented in major institutions including the Smithsonian and Metropolitan Museum of Art. This serigraph exemplifies his ability to merge cultural depth with modernist design.

Condition:

Good overall condition. Colors remain vibrant and well-defined. A few faint handling marks are visible in the background. Presented matted and framed behind glass; the oak frame shows light surface wear consistent with age.

Dimensions:

Overall (frame): 23 x 19 inches
Visible image: approx. 16 x 12 inches

Artist Biography: Woody Crumbo (1912–1989)

Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Crumbo was a Potawatomi artist, dancer, and cultural ambassador whose career spanned painting, printmaking, music, and museum curation. Raised among Potawatomi, Creek, and Sioux families, he studied under Oscar Jacobson at the University of Oklahoma before directing the art program at Bacone College and later serving as curator at both the Gilcrease Museum and the El Paso Museum of Art.

Crumbo became one of the first Native artists to popularize silkscreen printing, creating striking editions that introduced Indigenous art to broader audiences. Internationally recognized for his paintings, prints, and performances as a Native dancer, his works combine bold design, luminous colors, and spiritual resonance. Today, they are housed in the Smithsonian, Gilcrease Museum, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and other esteemed collections, affirming his legacy as one of the most important Native American artists of the 20th century.