Frank Bennett Fiske Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Frank Bennett Fiske Art Value Price Guide

Jan. 18, 2025
F. B. Fiske (1883-1952) Self Portrait Photo c.1950
Est: $600 - $1,000
Featured in this lot is this self portrait photo of Frank B. Fiske, taken by himself and a Fiske's Photo pamphlet circa 1950, two years before he passed, from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. He learned the trade from S.T. Fansler, post studio photographer, and remained in Fort Yates to document the town, the Standing Rock Agency, and the changing ways of the frontier. The photo shows Fiske in a white button up shirt, wearing a tie and a hat as he looks directly towards the viewer. It is signed by Fiske and addressed to John Kleinschmidt reading, "To: John Kleinschmidt, Best Wishes, Frank B. Fiske 11/6/50". Also included with the photo is an original Frank B. Fiske photo catalog pamphlet. This pamphlet gives an extensive list of over 225 photos you could buy from Fiske in sizes ranging from 8x10, 11x14 and 16x20. The photo and pamphlet show good condition overall with no wear present and no damage noted. The photo measures 9 1/2" L x 7 5/8" W, while the pamphlet measures 8 1/4" L x 3 1/4" W. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.
North American Auction Company
Jan. 18, 2025
Frank B. Fiske (1883-1952) Rain-In-The-Face Photo
Est: $1,200 - $1,600
Featured in this lot is this large photo of Rain-In-The- Face, taken by Frank B. Fiske (1883-1952) circa 1880-1890s, with a correspondence letter between Angela Fiske, the wife of Frank Fiske, and John Kleinschmidt dated 1951. Photo and letter are from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. He learned the trade from S.T. Fansler, post studio photographer, and remained in Fort Yates to document the town, the Standing Rock Agency, and the changing ways of the frontier. Rain-in-the-Face (c. 18351905) was a notable Lakota Sioux warrior and commander. He was born near the Cheyenne River in modern-day South Dakota. Known for his valor, he rose to prominence in clashes against US forces during the Great Sioux War of 1876. Rain-in-the-Face was prominently featured in the Battle of Little Bighorn, where Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his men were defeated. Some accounts imply he had a personal vengeance against Custer's family, but this is debatable. After the Lakota were defeated and confined to reservations, Rain-in-the-Face lived on the Standing Rock Reservation. He spent his senior years supporting Native traditions and sharing his own experiences. The photo shows Rain-In-The-Face posing for a side profile portrait in Fiske's studio. He has long hair, is wearing a necklace and is shirtless for the photo as he looks towards the viewers left hand side with a stoic look on his face. The included letter has Angela Fiske explaining why she has taken so long to respond and includes prices on the Rain-In-The-Face photo. She explains that Frank Fiske has been feeling sick as of late but has been recovering and is feeling better. She then goes on to talk about another customer and their order of a photo. The letter sits in an envelope attached to the back of the frame. The frame, letter and photo all show good condition overall with little to no wear present and no signs of damage noted. The visible photo measures 22 3/4" L x 16 1/4" W, while the entire piece measures 25 3/4" L x 19 1/4" W x 1 1/8" D. It has a total weight of 5 pounds and 6 ounces. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.
North American Auction Company
Jan. 18, 2025
Frank B Fiske (1883-1952) Leans On The Wind Sioux
Est: $800 - $1,200
For your consideration is this large, original Frank B. Fiske canvas print of his photo titled, "Leans On The Wind", from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. He learned the trade from S.T. Fansler, post studio photographer, and remained in Fort Yates to document the town, the Standing Rock Agency, and the changing ways of the frontier. The canvas print shows an older Native American woman named Leans On The Wind, posing for a photo. She appears to have a reluctant look on her face as many Native Americans at the time did not like to be photographed. She has her eyes closed and her lips pursed as if she is displeased with the photo. It is signed on the bottom reading, "Leans On The Wind, Sioux, Fiske Photo". The piece shows good condition overall with little to no wear present to the frame or photo, and no signs of damage is noted. The visible canvas print measures 19 5/8" L x 15 5/8" W, while the entire piece measures 21 1/8" L x 17 1/8" W x 1 1/4" D. It has a total weight of 3 pounds and 10 ounces. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.
North American Auction Company
Jan. 18, 2025
F. B. Fiske (1883-1952) Group Of Sioux Photo 1878
Est: $400 - $600
Featured in this lot is this Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952) photo of a print of a group of Sioux Native Americans, originally taken in 1878 by an unknown photographer, from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. This photo shows a large group consisting of some well known Native Americans such as, Bear Face, Running Antelope, Chief John Grass and Gray Bear. Also included in the photo is Col. Hammond, Ella Hughes, Mrs. Galpin and Mrs. Alma Parkin. Fiske took this photo from an old print, with no mention of the original photographer. It features two museum tags with the first reading, "1396-87 O'Dell" and the second reading, "Group of Sioux - 1878". The photo is set in a wood frame and shows good condition overall with little wear present and no signs of damage noted. The visible photo measures 10 1/2" L x 13 1/2" W, while the entire piece measures 12" L x 14 7/8" W x 7/8" D. It weighs 1 pound and 10 ounces. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.
North American Auction Company
Jan. 18, 2025
Frank B. Fiske (1883-1952) Chief John Grass Photo
Est: $500 - $600
For your consideration is this Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952) photo of Chief John Grass originally taken circa 1890-1910s, from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. Chief John Grass (1837-1918) was Chief of the Lakota Sioux, son of Pezi, a hereditary Lakota Chief. Grass would inherit the position from his father. His warrior name was Ma-tow-a-tak-pe, meaning Charging Bear, and he fought in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Following Sitting Bull's surrender in 1881, Grass and Gall became rivals. In 1888, President Grover Cleveland met with Sitting Bull, Gall, and Grass to form the Standing Rock Agency, which was approved in 1889 despite Sitting Bull's opposition. Grass did not participate in the Ghost Dance, which resulted in the death of his rival Sitting Bull. Grass was Chief Justice of the Standing Rock Agency's Court of Indian Offenses in Fort Yates for over 30 years. Grass died on the Agency at about age 80 and was buried at Fort Yates in the Catholic cemetery. The photo shows a portrait of Chief John Grass in traditional wear and wearing a large feathered headdress. He is looking to the viewers right with a stoic look on his face. It is marked in the bottom right corner reading, "© F.B. Fiske" in white lettering and shows writing reading "Chief John Grass". It is matted once with white matting paper and features a tag on the front reading, "John Grass". The piece shows good condition overall with little to no wear present and no major signs of damage noted. The visible photo measures 8 3/4" L x 6 5/8" W, while the entire piece measures 13 1/4" L x 10 3/4" W x 7/8" D. It has a total weight of 1 pound and 4 ounces. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.
North American Auction Company
Jan. 18, 2025
F. B Fiske (1883-1952) John Little Crow Photo 1950
Est: $500 - $800
Featured in this lot is this original, silver gelatin photo of John Little Crow taken September 28th, 1950, taken by Frank B. Fiske (1883-1952), from the ex-collection of the C.M. Russell Museum and John Kleinschmidt. Frank Bennett Fiske was an early photographer born at Fort Bennett in the Dakota Territory, spending most of his life in the Fort Yates area. He was best known for his rich, detailed portraits of Native American Indians, for which he won the North Dakota Art Award in 1950. He learned the trade from S.T. Fansler, post studio photographer, and remained in Fort Yates to document the town, the Standing Rock Agency, and the changing ways of the frontier. The photo shows John Little Crow posing for a photo in front of a teepee, as a buffalo skull leans on his leg and he holds feathers in his left hand and a beaded, rawhide bag in his right hand. It is signed on the left hand side reading, "John Little Crow Sept. 28, 1950". It features two museum tags from the C.M Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana with the first reading, "1396-87 O'Dell" and the second reading, "John Little Crow". It shows good condition overall with little to no wear present and no signs of damage noted. The visible photo measures 9 1/4" L x 7 1/4" W, while the entire piece measures 10 1/4" L x 8 1/4" W x 5/8" D. It weighs 12 ounces. Provenance: From the John Kleinschmidt collection which was on loan to the C.M. Russell Museum from 1987 to 1993 and included in the "The Cowboy West: 100 Years of Photography 1992-1993 exhibit.
North American Auction Company
Aug. 01, 2024
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952): Portfolio I
Est: $300 - $500
Fifteen gelatin silver prints on mounts, all with the artist's inkstamp and numbered 48/300 on the reverse, justification text and linen-covered portfolio box; together with A Photo Album of Native American Portraits and Landscapes, all with labels from Pennington Studios. Fiske all 17 x 14 in. (sheet, mount), all unframed.
STAIR
Jun. 16, 2023
FISKE, Frank B. (1883-1952). Portfolios I and II.
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
FISKE, Frank B. (1883-1952). Portfolios I and II. Portfolio I: Plates 1-15. -- Portfolio II: Plates 16-30. 30 photographs, printed using the enlarged copy negatives made from the original glass plates at the State Historical Society of North Dakota. A complete list of plates is available upon request. Each print mounted on museum board, marked on the back with photography lab stamp (Argentum Photographic Services, Seattle), and signed and editioned in pencil by the printer. Each portfolio includes colophon providing historical essay on the life of Franke Bennett Fiske. Original linen clamshell portfolios. LIMITED EDITION, number 93 of 300 copies.
Hindman
Jan. 13, 2022
The Fiske Portfolios I & II
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
THE FRANK FISKE PORTFOLIOS (Sioux Indian Photographs),The North Dakota Heritage Foundation, Bismarck, North Dakota, 1983. 2 folio portfolios of 30 fine-art images (15 per portfolio). Frank Bennett Fiske (June 11, 1883 - July 18, 1952) was an early 20th century photographer primarily active among the Lakota (Sioux) on Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North and South Dakota. These prints were made directly from the negatives in the collection held by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. Each portfolio was limited to an edition of 300; this set is #54. BOTH PORTFOLIOS AND IMAGES ARE AS NEW, AS PUBLISHED - includes the separately printed colophon booklet describing Fiske and the images. Each print is mounted on 100% rag, archival museum boards; each marked on back with symbol of the photography lab (Argentum of Seattle, Washington) and signed by the printer. Fiske's original logo also appears along with the signature of the producer. Each complete portfolio is presented in an archival linen-covered 14 1/4 x 17 1/4 inch handcrafted portfolio case made by Kathryn Leonard of Seattle, Washington. The colophon included with the separate portfolios provides an historical essay on Fiske, the photographer, and a biographical essay about the life of Frank Bennett Fiske. The publisher notes that the Fiske Portfolios will never again be reproduced for sale as a collector's edition. Both the State Historical Society of No. Dakota and the No. Dakota State Historical Board, which owns the original negatives, has agreed not to allow further reproduction of these negatives in any limited form. If lot is absent of a condition report a condition report may be requested via email. Buyer must view photographs or scans to assist in determining condition and ask further questions if so desired. We ship most items in this auction in house and gladly combine shipping if possible of multiple items.
Grant Zahajko Auctions, LLC
Jul. 09, 2020
Frank B. Fiske (1883-1952) 'Rain-in-the-Face'
Est: $100 - $300
Frank B. Fiske (1883-1952) 'Rain-in-the-Face' Native American Lakota Tribe Chief Portrait Photograph. Photograph measures 10x8''. Signed on Reverse with title. Some wear to corners and edges but overall good condition.
MBA Seattle Auction LLC
Jun. 18, 2017
Photographs, Frank Bennett Fiske
Est: $600 - $900
(lot of 2) Frank Bennett Fiske (American, 1883-1952), "Spotted Bear, Sioux," and Indian Chief, gelatin silver prints, one signed and titled, images (each): 12.75"h x 10.5"w, overall (with frame/each): 21"h x 17"w
Clars Auctions
Nov. 13, 2013
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952), portrait photographs of matogleska (spotted bear) and anpaowicahpi (morning star), Comprising three ph
Est: $600 - $800
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952) portrait photographs of matogleska (spotted bear) and anpaowicahpi (morning star) Comprising three photographs of Matogleska, two with him seated, one standing; one of Anpaowicahpi; and two double portraits with the standing couple, one matted and framed, all with hand-written captions identifying photographer and sitter, each dated, "Oct. 23, 1950"; together with three series of five 4 x 6 in. photographs, depicting Matogleska, Anpaowicahpi and the couple, respectively. 19 3/4 in. x 15 7/8 in. PROVENANCE: The Luther R. and Frances T. Zehner Collection.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 13, 2013
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952), group of seven photographs depicting exterior scenes of indian life, Including "Sioux Indian Victory D
Est: $600 - $800
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952) group of seven photographs depicting exterior scenes of indian life Including "Sioux Indian Victory Dance"; "Bears Teeth"; "Passing of Winter"; "Sioux Camp at Standing Rock Agency North Dakota"; "The Sundance Sioux"; "The Orator"; and "Dog Travois," most mounted on board, all with handwritten captions identifying photographer and subject to recto. 19 3/4 in. x 15 7/8 in. PROVENANCE: The Luther R. and Frances T. Zehner Collection. Acquired directly from the artist.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 13, 2013
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952), group of eight portrait photographs of indians, Including "Chief John Grass"; "Tatanka Ska-White Bull"
Est: $800 - $1,200
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952) group of eight portrait photographs of indians Including "Chief John Grass"; "Tatanka Ska-White Bull"; "Mato Bloka-Male Bear"; "Ite Omaraju-Rain in the Face"; "Pejee Grass and Family"; "Francis Red Tomawk"; "Rachel Standing Solider"; and "Daughter of Rachel Standing Soldier Dunn," all with handwritten caption identifying photographer and sitter to recto and most with further notations to verso; together with a second generation photograph of "Tatanka Iyotaka-Sitting Bull" and a heightened and mounted image of "Tatoka Iyanka-Running Antelope," neither bearing photographer's name. 19 3/4 in. x 15 7/8 in. PROVENANCE: The Luther R. and Frances T. Zehner Collection. Acquired directly from the artist.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 13, 2013
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952), group of ten portrait photographs of indians, Including "Leans on the Wind-Sioux Woman"; "Tacanhpi Dut
Est: $800 - $1,200
Frank Bennett Fiske (1883-1952) group of ten portrait photographs of indians Including "Leans on the Wind-Sioux Woman"; "Tacanhpi Duta-Red Tomahawk"; "Red Tomahawk Slayer of Sitting Bull"; "Tatanka Wanjina-One Bull"; three images of "Spotted Bear-Mato Gleska": one enhanced with color, one matted and framed; "Crawler-Sioux"; "Brave Buffalo"; and "Red Bear," some mounted on board, all with handwritten caption identifying photographer and sitter to verso, three with additional notations to verso. 19 3/4 in. x 15 7/8 in. PROVENANCE: The Luther R. and Frances T. Zehner Collection. Acquired directly from the artist.
Freeman's | Hindman
Nov. 27, 2010
THREE AMERICAN INDIAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRANK FISKE (AMERICAN, 1883-1952).
Est: $200 - $400
THREE AMERICAN INDIAN PHOTOGRAPHS BY FRANK FISKE (AMERICAN, 1883-1952). All from the 1983 limited edition publication of Fiske's Indian Portfolio and all printed from Fiske's original negatives (currently in the collection of the State Historical Society of North Dakota). Includes portraits of Gray Hawk, Sharp Horn Bull, and Iron Star. 9"h. 7"w. (images), two are in cactus frames, 16 3/4"h. 14"w., and one is matted and framed, 20"h. 16 3/4"w.
Garth's Auctioneers & Appraisers