robert riggs – ultrawolvesunderthefullmoon

Robert Riggs, “Roman Nose, the Famous Cheyenne Warrior in the Full Battle Regalia of the Elk Soldiers”, Oil Painting on Board, Date Unknown

This remarkable painting by the well-known artist and illustrator, Robert Riggs, depicts famous Cheyenne warrior Roman Nose in battle, dressed in the full regalia of the Elk Soldier warrior society. A dramatic, powerful image, it is one of a handful of paintings by Riggs.

Robert Riggs (1896-1970) was in his heyday one of the best-known artists and illustrators in the United States. After studies at the Art Students League and service during World War I, Riggs settled in Philadelphia, his home base for the rest of his life. In the 1930s and ‘40s he rose to national prominence as an illustrator, lithographer, and commercial artist, producing well-known images of boxers and circuses (two life-long obsessions), and of soldiers during World War II.

Robert Riggs, “The Pool”, 1933, Lithograph, Edition of 50, 37.3 x 49.6 cm, Private Collection

Printmaker and illustrator Robert Riggs was born in Decatur, Illinois and first studied art at Millikin University there, moving to New York and the Art Students League in 1915 when he received a scholarship underwriting two years of study. Riggs subsequently joined the advertising firm A. W. Ayer & Company of Philadelphia. While working there, Riggs also studied at the Académie Julian.

Returning to Philadelphia, in addition to his work at A. W. Ayer, Riggs also worked as a freelance magazine illustrator. He was strongly influenced by the work of George Bellows, producing a series of boxing prints in his own style, followed by a series of lithographs depicting circus-related subjects. In 1940, Riggs produced four lithographs dealing with modern medical practice commissioned by publisher Smith, Kline, and French.

Of the eighty-four prints Riggs made over two decades, most were produced in the mid-1930s. Riggs gave up printmaking around 1950 but continued to produce advertising illustrations for major corporate clients. He was elected to associate membership in the National Academy of Design in 1939 and bercame a full member in 1946. Between 1961 and 1963, Riggs taught at the Philadelphia College of Art.