Compare and contrast the two works titled Treaty Signing at Medicine Lodge Creek, one by John Taylor and one by Howling Wolf. In your discussion, use the terms "form," "content," "representational," "abstract," and "ledger" art

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer: The ideal answer should include:
1. Both artists represent the same event; therefore, their works share similar content.
2. Their works differ in form in their medium and composition. Taylor, an Anglo-American journalist, made his work for a magazine and based it on sketches made on the scene. It was published soon after the event. Howling Wolf, a Native American, made his work nearly a decade later when he was in jail and drew it on blank accounts' ledgers. It is so-called ledger art.
3. Taylor's view is limited to the grove itself. It represents more closely a natural view that could be called more representational. Howling Wolf shows the scene from above to show the grove and to include many cultural motifs related to the Indians, such as tipis and warriors. He adjusts space in a way that could be called abstract; for instance showing the tipis head-on instead of foreshortened as they would be seen from above. However, both artists selected how to depict the scene, according to their own purpose and point of view.
4. Taylor does not show women, whereas Indian women are very prominent in Howling Wolf's work, suggesting the importance of women in his culture.