Olaf C. Seltzer (1877-1957) Blackfoot Braves 20" x 30" oil on canvas Signed lower left $50,000-70,000 Provenance: Collection of James Johnson, Spokane, WA by descent, acquired in the 1970s. Olaf Carl Seltzer was a prominent Western artist known for his detailed and dynamic depictions of frontier life, landscapes, and Native American culture. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Seltzer immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 and settled in Great Falls, Montana. Influenced by his mentor and friend Charles M. Russell, Seltzer developed a passion for portraying the American West. His works, celebrated for their historical accuracy and vivid storytelling, often featured scenes of Native American life, particularly of the Blackfeet people, whose culture and traditions he deeply admired. Through his art, Seltzer sought to document the lives of the Blackfeet and their connection to the vast Montana landscapes. Seltzer’s relationship with the Blackfeet Indians was characterized by respect and a genuine interest in their heritage. He frequently visited their communities and observed their customs, ceremonies, and daily life, incorporating these experiences into his art with great sensitivity. Unlike some artists of his time, Seltzer sought to depict Native Americans as dignified and integral figures within the West’s history, rather than as romanticized or stereotyped subjects. His paintings and illustrations, which often featured Blackfeet warriors, hunters, and families, serve as a lasting tribute to their culture and resilience. Today, Seltzer’s work is valued not only for its artistic merit but also for its role in preserving a vital chapter of American history. Black lights clean. Some craquelure visible in upper sky.