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"Themes of the Bureau of Indian Affairs: Indian and Soldier," by Maynard Dixon, oil on canvas, 1939. Born in Fresno, California, in 1875, Maynard Dixon had a deep appreciation of and attraction to the West. A noted illustrator, painter, and muralist, Dixon focused his work on portraying the people and scenes of the West honestly and without embellishment. He often painted the arid landscapes of the Southwest, early settlers, cowboys, and Native Americans. His two panels depict how life has changed for Native Americans. The stampeding buffalo show movement west and encroachment upon the Native Americans' land. According to Dixon, the Chief's gesture states, "This is our land. You shall drive us no further."

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