Cigar Store Indian c. 1937

Lucille Chabot made this "Cigar Store Indian" from an unknown date with watercolor and graphite on paper. It’s a pretty straightforward rendering, not too many frills, but I am drawn to the understated palette. The way Chabot teases out different shades of brown is unexpectedly captivating. It’s like watching her quietly explore the possibilities of a single hue. The surface has a delicate, almost fragile quality, particularly in the subtle gradations of color on the figure's cloak and headdress. Up close, you can see graphite lines beneath the watercolor washes, adding a layer of texture and depth to the image. Look at the detail in the headdress. It’s not just about depicting feathers; it’s about capturing the way light plays across their surfaces. There's something about the stillness of this figure that reminds me of the work of Edward Hopper. Both artists share a similar interest in capturing quiet moments of contemplation and isolation. But where Hopper often focused on urban environments, Chabot turns her attention to a more enigmatic and symbolic subject. It’s like she’s inviting us to pause and reflect on the stories we tell ourselves about history, identity, and representation.