Eanger Irving Couse Painting, Bronze Sculpture by John Coleman, and More at Brunk Auctions

This February, Brunk Auctions will present its Mountains, Plains, and Pueblos | February 18, 2025 auction with nearly 130 lots of sculptures, paintings, prints, multiples, jewelry, and ethnographic artifacts. This event especially features a fine giltwood piece by Eanger Irving Couse and a bronze sculpture by John Coleman. The auction will begin live on February 18, 2025. Online bidding options are available at Brunk Auctions and Bidsquare.

Leading this auction is Eanger Irving Couse’s Quiver Maker-Indian by Firelight, an oil on board work that will be sold in a carved gilt wood frame (lot #71; estimate: USD 30,000 – $50,000). Quiver Maker-Indian by Firelight depicts a squatting Native American man in the glow of a fire. A well-known Romantic realist artist, Couse painted famous scenes of moonlight and firelight from New Mexico. He was among the most accomplished figure painters of the Taos Society of Artists. Eanger’s passion for painting Native Americans was inspired by the peaceful Chippewa and Ojibwa cultures. Another Couse work available in this sale is Beaded Bag, a photographic reproduction on canvas (lot #124; estimate: $200 – $400). This 1913 work is available in a Taos-style Arts and Crafts frame.

Another notable lot in the catalog is John Coleman’s bronze sculpture titled Mystic Smoke and Sacred Arrows (lot #73; estimate: $20,000 – $30,000). John Coleman broadens the scope of Western sculpture by crossing cultures and eras. His monumental bronze sculpture Mystic Smoke and Sacred Arrows is not simply a historical representation; it is also a deeply personal expression of Native American spirituality. This piece depicts a Native American chief preparing to shoot an arrow into the sky. Created in 2010, the offered work consists of cold-painted patinated bronze mounted on a rotating plinth.  

Beyond fine art, this sale will feature a pair of Hopi katsinam (lot #41; estimate: $800 – $1,200). Among the Hopi people, katsina are supernatural beings and an important part of their religion. A Hopi katsina doll is carved from wood to portray these beings. The dolls are believed to act as messengers between humans and the spirit world. The first doll dates from the mid-20th century, composed of polychrome cottonwood with built-in eyes and horns. The second has a foot inscribed “Polley,” with hair applied, a cloth and hide costume attached, and ears applied.

Other lots of interest in this sale include: 

• A fine Black Forest-style bear-carved and antler-mounted mirror (lot #4; estimate: $800 – $1,200) 
• An early 20th century German-made Black Forest carved over mantel clock (lot #2; estimate: $1,000 – $2,000) 
• A turquoise and sterling silver bead necklace (lot #103; estimate: $300 – $500) 
• A large custom rustic walnut live edge dining table (lot #10; estimate: $2,000 – $4,000) 
• A 1962 Loren Pahsetopah Cheyenne warrior in tempera on green board (lot#49; estimate $600 – $800)

With its headquarters in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has expanded to offer auction services to an international clientele. The Robert Brunk Auction Company was founded in 1983 and quickly developed a reputation for reliability and professionalism. As a writer, anthropologist, and woodworker, Bob brings a wealth of experience to catalog entries and auction-goers. Besides being a valued consultant, Bob is also an auctioneer. Andrew Brunk began working at the company in 2005. Having worked in the field of curatorial research, he has added a particular emphasis on connoisseurship. In his capacity as the head of the American furniture department of one of the world’s largest auction houses, he has played a crucial role in aligning our company to the highest standards in terms of expertise and client service. The upcoming Mountains, Plains, and Pueblos | February 18, 2025 sale at Brunk Auctions will begin on February 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST. To view the complete catalog and to place a bid, visit Bidsquare.