Tom McNeely (Canadian, B. 1935) "Sitting Bull" Signed lower left. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.S. 28c Sitting Bull stamp issued September 28, 1989. Named for his father, the great Indian leader Sitting Bull was born in a time of turmoil. He believed strongly that his Sioux heritage was a noble one, and he quickly proved himself a great hunter and warrior. At the age of just fourteen, he accompanied his father on the warpath against the Crow Indian tribe. In the years that followed, Sitting Bull also became known among the Sioux tribes as a medicine man, a peacemaker and an organizer. His influence was great and his dedication to his people was unsurpassed. When white settlers began to infringe upon Sioux lands, Sitting Bull saw the threat. He watched as the Indian ways began to die, and he resisted the limitations put upon his people. It was Sitting Bull who organized thousands of warriors of the Sioux Confederacy to meet General George Custer at the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Just before that historic battle, Sitting Bull told his men about a dream he'd had of soldiers falling into the Indian camp. That vision of victory provided inspiration to the Indian warriors. Throughout the battle, Sitting Bull prayed for additional spiritual guidance. After Custer's defeat, Sitting Bull fled to Canada and did not return to the U.S. until 1881, when he was granted amnesty. Confined to the Standing Rock reservation, Sitting Bull remained a great leader and a symbol to his people until he was killed in a scuffle with Indian police on December 15, 1890. Image Size: 13.75 x 16.75 in. Overall Size: 16.5 x 21.25 in. Unframed. (B11707)