Lot 255: Dave McGary (American, 1958–2013) “Touch the Clouds”

Dave McGary (American, 1958–2013) “Touch the Clouds”
depicting the Oglala Lakota leader Touch the Clouds, son of Lone Horn, cousin and best friend of Crazy Horse the famous Oglala Sioux warrior, shown standing proudly with arms outstretched holding a buffalo hide robe. Executed with McGary’s signature hyper-realism and exceptional surface detailing. The figure features extensive cast faux beadwork, polychromed in vivid colors along the headdress, armbands, shoulder panels, pouch, and moccasins, together with modeled leather fringe, a full bone breastplate, and deeply textured garments.
The large buffalo robe behind him is fully sculpted in high relief, painted with narrative Plains pictographs, including warriors on horseback and a sunburst motif, all meticulously rendered. The towering feathered warbonnet is modeled with individually articulated feathers and laced quills, extending dramatically down the back. Mounted on an octagonal tiered wooden plinth with title plaque. Along with pedestal.
Monumental patinated and polychromed bronze sculpture
Signed and titled
Number 38/50
Height of sculpture and plinth 37 inches, height of pedestal 29 1/2 inches
Provenance: Sold by Scottsdale Art Auction in Scottsdale Arizona in 2013 for $15,210,
Certificate of authenticity from Dave McGary, McGary Studios available,
appraised for $16,500 on November 12, 1998 by Meyer Gallery of Park City, Utah appraisal available, it was purchased from the gallery on February 21, 1995 for $14,675 receipt available, along with other supporting documents
Part of a large Western art collection from Massachusetts
Exhibited: Unveiled at The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in February of 1997

Very good condition, minor paint specs to back feathers

All lots are sold “AS IS.” Condition reports are available by request and answered in the order received starting the week of the sale. Our in-house buyer’s premium (for absentee and phone bidders) is 25%, with a 3% discount for payments by cash, check, wire, or Zelle. If bidding through a third-party platform, payment must be made through that platform. The online buyer’s premium for all third-party sites is 30% (no discounts). Our buyer’s premium on our own website is 30%, with a 3% discount for cash, check, wire, or Zelle payments for buyers using only our site or bidding in-house.

This condition report is provided as a courtesy and reflects our opinion only. Bidders should conduct their own due diligence. The absence of a report does not imply the lot is free of issues. Assessments are based on visual inspection; unless noted, items have not been examined under UV light, movements and electrical components have not been tested, and artworks are generally not removed from frames. We are not professional conservators, and this report is not a comprehensive condition evaluation. Images provided form part of the condition report and should be reviewed carefully. All sales are final. For in-person inspection, please call 860-246-2444 or email info@nadeausauction.com.

Estimate: $5000- $10000

Auction Date: January 1, 2026