Divination (De Cost Smith, 1906)
1906. Oil, 76.0 x 61.0cm. Museum of Fine Arts.
Canvas and fine art prints from $42 at 35 x 28 cm
Hand-painted oil reproduction from $170
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§ 1Catalogue data
- 76.0 x 61.0cm
§ 2Abstract
Divination by De Cost Smith, painting description
A solitary figure performs a ritual in a dimly lit tipi, captured in monochromatic tones with dramatic light casting deep shadows.
Read the full description of Divination by De Cost Smith
De Cost Smith: biography
American painter and illustrator who depicted Native American life and sacred customs through detailed scenes of Sioux and Crow peoples.
§ 3Commentary
Technique and Artistic Style
In Divination, De Cost Smith employs an illustrative yet painterly approach to capture a moment of quiet ritual. The medium, likely oil or gouache on a flat surface, relies on a monochromatic palette of gray, black, and white to establish its somber atmosphere. Visible brushstrokes provide a tactile quality, adding texture to the skin, the fur, and the heavy folds of the cloth. Every line serves a purpose, defining the intricate details of the headdress and the specific textures of the figure's clothing.
The composition is built upon a foundation of organic shapes. The rounded form of the drum sits in contrast to the sharp, angular patterns decorating the leggings. Light enters the scene from a single source, striking the face and upper body to pull the subject from the darkness. This dramatic lighting casts deep shadows that create a sense of profound depth and mystery within the dim interior. The perspective remains at eye-level, placing the viewer directly into the intimate, shadowed space of the ritual.
Where to See This Work Today
The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, holds this specific painting, Divination. It rests within their vast, encyclopedic collection, a single point of light among thousands of others. The canvas remains a quiet presence in the halls of the museum.
Beyond this single work, the physical remnants of a life spent documenting the American West are scattered across several significant institutions. His personal collection of artifacts, gathered through years of travel and study, has found a permanent home within the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian collection. These objects remain as tangible traces of the cultures he observed. His personal papers are kept at Cornell University, preserved in the quiet archives of academic study.
The traces of his presence are held in these various repositories. A shadow of his life remains in the archives.
Questions & Answers
Is this reproduction of Divination painted by hand or printed?
Printed: Divination is reproduced as a giclée print on cotton canvas or on Epson archival canvas paper.
What size should I choose for Divination?
The original measures 76.2 x 61.28cm. Sizes run from 35.2 x 28.4 cm ($42) to 247.9 x 200.1 cm ($391); the table on this page lists the main steps and their prices.
How long does delivery take?
A print rolled in a tube travels free by regular post and arrives in 3 to 5 weeks; a stretched or framed print takes 4 to 5 weeks, and an urgent delivery option is offered on this page. You can return it within 100 days for a full refund, with no condition.
Where is the original Divination?
The original is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
What medium did De Cost Smith use for Divination?
Oil.
Oil Painting
For artworks or reproductions larger than 105 cm (approximately 41 inches) on any side, the frame will be shipped as a kit, disassembled. This method ensures safe delivery and prevents damage during transport.
