William Standing (1904-1951) On the Defense 18" x 21" oil on board Signed and dated 1930 lower right, Ma-To-Pa-Ta. $4,000-6,000 Provenance: Collection of Anna E. Cannon. Library of Congress photo, April 2, 1931 photo featuring Anna E. Cannon, Vice President Charles Curtis (Kaw Nation) and William Standing at National Press Building Washington D.C., along with a copy of newspaper clipping featuring Standing and VP Curtis, and collector's notes to accompany the lot.

In April of 1931, Assiniboine artist William Standing exhibited approximately 30 paintings at the National Press Club in Washington DC. The exhibit was visited by then Vice President Charles Curtis who was himself a Kaw Indian. Standing was invited by Anna Cannon who was a member of the both the National Press Club and the Washington Arts Club. Anna had been appointed to the Commission on the US Court of Claims in 1927. She had traveled to visit the Assiniboine tribe and had met Standing on the trip where he was brought in as her interpreter. After the exhibit at the Press Club the paintings were then shown at the Arts Club before traveling to France for an exhibition at the Colonial Exhibition in Paris.

Black light shows two areas of restoration, one area on horses chest, and another small area of inpainting along right margin/lower right corner. Some abrasions/scuffs in paint in a couple areas.