Comanche Blood Moon Dream (SOLD)

The full moon held an ominous presence on the Texas frontier during the latter part of the 19th century because it was the time that the Comanches typically raided settlers’ cabins.  It struck terror in the hearts of the Early Texanians, and it was known as the “Comanche Moon”. But even more fearsome was the Blood Moon, a rare occurrence when the full moon appears red.

In this most recent work, Chief Quanah Parker is experiencing his own siege in the form of a Dream where a sinister steam locomotive is approaching.  The front of the engine hints of a devouring skull wearing a faint war bonnet. The field behind him below the moon is a crop of symbols (diamond within a diamond with a dot in the center) that represent the Medicine Man, a sign of foretelling of the future.  His prophetic vision, under the Comanche Blood Moon signals change and a new “Chief” coming to the Prairie.

This latest painting is one of a series of paintings depicting Chief Quanah Parker, and the clash of cultures between the Comanche Nation and the Texians.  It is 48” x 48”. The painting is Acrylic on 120-year-old handwritten deeds glued to the canvas, from Parker County, Texas.  It is significant that Parker County was named after Isaac Parker, the Chief’s mother, Cynthia Ann Parker’s uncle.  These deeds conveyed Land once controlled by the Comanches.  In this most recent work, a large part of the picture plane reveals the historic documents, and these actual relics from the time period of the event have become an important part of the artwork both visually and symbolically.