BERT GEER PHILLIPS (1868-1956)

Beyond his role as one of America's leading Taos painters, Bert Geer Phillips dedicated much of his life to advocating for Native American rights. The Magic Deer Song represents the artist's affection for Indian culture and is painted in the romantic style that garnered him national recognition during his lifetime by both museums and private collectors alike. Indeed, the present work was acquired directly from the artist by John D. Rockefeller Jr., and hung in his Seal Harbor, Maine house for 92 years, alongside a magnificent collection paintings by Taos artists as well as Native American-made art, rugs and artifacts.