Artwork

The Solemn Pledge, Taos Indians

The Solemn Pledge, Taos Indians, by Walter Ufer, oil, 1916
The Solemn Pledge, Taos Indians, by Walter Ufer, oil, 1916

The Solemn Pledge, Taos Indians is an oil painting by the American Impressionist artist Walter Ufer. It dates from 1916 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

The Solemn Pledge, Taos Indians is a 1916 oil painting by Walter Ufer, an artist associated with the American Impressionism movement. It is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows four figures in a field with a mountain range behind them. The central figures wear white robes, evoking a sense of ritual or ceremony. The scene conveys reverence and contemplation.

Technique & Style

Ufer used a palette of blues, whites, and yellows to create a serene atmosphere. Visible brushstrokes add texture to the work, characteristic of Impressionist technique.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1916, The Solemn Pledge, Taos Indians is a product of Ufer's time in Taos, New Mexico, where he often depicted Native American life and landscapes.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Walter Ufer

Artist

Walter Ufer

Walter Ufer (July 22, 1876 – August 2, 1936) was an American artist based in Taos, New Mexico. His most notable work focuses on scenes of Native American life, particularly of the Pueblo Indians.