Cigar Store Indian

American carved and painted Native American tobacco trade figure attributed to Julius Malchers (1829-1909), Detroit, MI 1870. Ex. Parke-Bernet Galleries - Haffenreffer Collection 1956, Christie's 2007, Sotheby's 2022. 78"H x 14" x 20" Julius Melchers was known for his figures that were carved from weathered ship's masts. He posed his figures in simple, straightforward poses and was meticulous in the carving of their authentic and traditional clothing. This piece exhibits many of the features associated with Melchers, including the carving from a single piece of wood and the rigid body posture. He was trained as an artist in Paris and relocated to Detroit to join a friend who had recently moved there. He was hired by the first tobacco shop in Detroit to carve an Indian trade figure and was soon inundated with orders from other stores.