Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Two Eagle Dancers

Stephen Mopope, 1936

Name Class Date
Stephen Mopope, Two Eagle Dancers (1936), Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Stephen Mopope artsdot.com/en/artists/stephen-mopope/
Artist’s dates
1898 – 1974
Painted
1936
Medium
Painting
Movement
Flat style
Period
Modern
Held at
Smithsonian's National Postal Museum artsdot.com/en/museums/smithsonian-s-national-postal-museum-washington-d-c/
Artistic style
Native American Flat style
Notable elements or techniques
Flat style, lack of depth
Subject or theme
Native American dancers and ceremony

Copyright This work is still under copyright. Stephen Mopope died in 1974; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it remains in force until 2044. The image is shown here for classroom reference; rights remain with the rights holder.

Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Sept. 26, 2026

Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope

When was this painted?

  1. 1890
  2. 1900
  3. 1910
  4. 1920
  5. 1930
  6. 1940
  7. 1950
  8. 1960
  9. 1970

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 76 at death.

Painted when the artist was 38. The artist lived to 76. 1 of the 2 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Stephen Mopope (1898–1974) ▲ this work, 1936 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

  • Apache Ben artsdot.com/en/art/stephen-mopope-apache-ben-D7LSFF-en/
  • Love-Call, 1931 artsdot.com/en/art/stephen-mopope-love-call-D7WVL7-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/stephen-mopope-two-eagle-dancers-D5DDNZ-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Gray #707f84

    Catalogued palette

    • #707F84
    • #DC9E40
    • #7D3E2E
    • #EDE3DC

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Gray
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Brilliant How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Vivid Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Stephen Mopope over the last twelve months — 1 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 100.0%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 2 most looked-at works by Stephen Mopope

    1. 1 Apache Ben 100.0%
    2. — Two Eagle Dancers, 1936 this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 3 works by this artist, of which 1 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Sept. 26, 2026

    Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope Part 2 · In context

    About this artwork

    Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope

    Stephen Mopope, was born August 27, 1898 on the Kiowa Reservation located within Indian Territory. He was given the Kiowa name “Qued Koi,” translated into “Painted Robe,” and was born from a mixed ancestry of Kiowa of his mother’s bloodline and Spanish from his grandfather, who was a captive adopted into the tribe. As a young boy, Mopope, was observed to be a natural artist drawing pictures in the sand, so family members taught him the tradition of painting on animal hides and tipis. Painting on hides was the foremost method used by tribal communities to record historically significant events known as “Winter counts” for the time of year they were created. The Kiowa differed in creating two per year versus one, which would give a more detailed account of their history. During the early reservation period of the 20th Century, education for Indian children was mandated through Federal boarding and mission schools where the children learned basic skills in English, math, and in this case, art. Stephen Mopope was one of the young Kiowa artists who showed promise and enthusiasm in developing new skills after receiving a limited education in art at the mission schools. Mopope and five other developing Kiowa artists, including a female, Lois Smoky, who later left the program, were brought to the attention of Oscar Jacobson, Director of the Art program at the University of Oklahoma from 1915-1954. Through their training and guidance under Jacobson, the artists progressed and became known as the “Kiowa Five,” adhering to traditional motifs using their limited early training to pioneer the “Flat style.” The “Flat style,” was named for its lack of lack of depth, which held the historical integrity of hide and tipi paintings used to record tribal events and became the most recognizable and defined style of Native American artists until the 1960s when they began to redefine art as individuals, breaking away from the traditional style.In June 1936, Oscar Jacobson, who was in charge of WPA projects for Oklahoma, commissioned Mopope, assisted by “Kiowa Five” associates James Auchiah and Spencer Asah, to undertake the task of painting 16 murals in the newly constructed post office in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Mopope was also chosen because he was considered by Jacobson to be the best and most outgoing artist of the “Kiowa Five,” a trait which necessary to becoming the lead for the project. His cultural ties to Anadarko, home to the Kiowa, would provide an accurate depiction of the culture from his personal experiences. Mopope was also chosen as one of the few Native artists to paint murals in the new Department of Interior building in Washington, DC, home office the Bureau of Indian Affairs, after it was constructed in 1936. Having come from a line of tipi artists, Mopope had experience in creating large mural like paintings coming from a line of artists who produced hide and tipi paintings. Mopope’s artistic lineage included two of the most influential and visible Kiowa artists of the time within his family which included his great uncles Silver Horn or “Haungooah,” and Oheltoint. Silver Horn was one of the most recognizable Kiowa artists from 1850-1900 when their nomadic way of life came to an end and the reservation era began. Oheltoint was a prisoner of war at Ft Marion in St. Augustine, Florida at the end of the Red River Wars in 1875 and one of the artists who helped pioneer the Indian “Ledger style” of art popular from the 1860’s until the 1920s which was also influential within the ‘Flat Style.”The origins of Native American art are not known, but the subjects have continuously been symbolic in nature recording aspects of everyday life, important events, and religious beliefs. As a young boy, Mopope learned the significance of recording those memories and the role they play within Native culture through the guidance of his great uncles Silver Horn and Oheltoint. Art was not originally created for its aesthetic qualities, but as a way to capture all the separate elements of life together representing the holistic view of Native people. Mopope was influenced through his experiences as not only an artist, but as an accomplished dancer and flute player providing another way of expressing himself through his culture.Historically, Native cultures have adapted and been influenced by each other through food ways, religion, and trade out of necessity for survival. The mural The Two Eagle Dancers is an example of an aspect of Kiowa culture adopted from the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico. The creation stories and history of the Kiowa originate in “the cold north land” according to Kiowa oratory and is now thought to be Southern Canada. Through the 16th and 17th Century the Kiowa migrated south. The Kiowa adopted aspects of culture from other tribes, such as the sacred sun dance and the horse as they migrated through what are now the states of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas and eventually the Southern Plains../..

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Sept. 26, 2026

    Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope Part 3 · About this artwork

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Stephen Mopope

    Born in Redstone, United States of America

    **early life and training**

    stephen mopope, also known as qued koi, was a kiowa painter, dancer, and native american flute player from oklahoma. born on august 27, 1898, near the redstone baptist mission on the kiowa reservation in indian territory, mopope's artistic journey began at a young age. family influence: taught by his relatives to paint on hides in the traditional manner. *formal education:* attended st. patrick's indian mission school in anadarko, oklahoma, and later studied at the university of oklahoma's school of art.

    **artistic contributions and style**

    mopope was the most prolific member of the group known as the kiowa six. his work is characterized by: vibrant colors: reflecting his heritage and the landscapes of oklahoma. *dynamic themes:* often depicting scenes from native american life, ceremonies, and the beauty of nature.

    two eagle dancers (smithsonian's national postal museum, washington, united states), a mural showcasing mopope's skill in capturing the essence of kiowa culture.

    apache ben (national cowboy & western heritage museum, oklahoma city, united states), a watercolor piece highlighting his versatility and range.

    **legacy and impact**

    prolific artist: mopope's extensive body of work has made him a pivotal figure in native american art history. *influence on future generations: his unique style and technique have inspired many artists, ensuring his legacy endures. *view more works by stephen mopope at [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/stephen-mopope](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@/stephen-mopope)**

    explore the skagen painters movement and its influence on native american art.

    discover more about antoine wiertz, a belgian painter and sculptor, at [https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3apat-discover-the-musee-wiertz-museum-brussels](https://AllPaintingsStore.com/@@/a@d3apat-discover-the-musee-wiertz-museum-brussels)

    **conclusion**

    stephen mopope's life and work are a testament to the richness of native american culture and art. through his paintings, he has left an indelible mark on the world of fine art, ensuring his legacy as one of the most prolific kiowa painters of his generation. *learn more about art history and movements at [https://AllPaintingsStore.com](https://AllPaintingsStore.com)*

    Museum

    Smithsonian's National Postal Museum

    On show in Washington, D.C., United States of America

    A Chronicle of Connection: The Soul of the National Postal Museum

    Nestled within the historic grandeur of

    Washington, D.C.

    , the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum resides in the magnificent Postal Square Building, a structure that serves as much more than a mere vessel for artifacts. Designed by the renowned architects Graham and Burnham in 1914, the building itself is a masterpiece of early twentieth-century civic architecture. As one steps through its imposing facade, the soaring ceilings and sweeping staircases evoke an era of permanence and purpose, reminding every visitor of a time when communication was a physical, tactile endeavor. The very bones of this institution—once the bustling heart of the city’s central post office—whisper stories of a world before the digital age, where the arrival of a letter was a momentous event, carrying the weight of news, longing, and human connection.

    To wander through these halls is to embark on a journey that transcends the simple study of philately. While the museum houses one of the most comprehensive stamp collections in existence, treating these colorful, adhesive miniatures as mere objects would be to miss their profound artistic and historical depth. Each stamp serves as a tiny, meticulously designed window into a

    bygone era

    , capturing the aesthetic sensibilities, political shifts, and cultural triumphs of nations past. For the art lover, these pieces represent a unique intersection of graphic design and historical narrative, where every line and hue was chosen to convey identity and prestige.

    Mechanical Marvels and Artistic Legacies

    The collection breathes through its magnificent displays of transportation, showcasing the mechanical marvels that once bridged vast distances. Visitors find themselves captivated by an impressive array of vintage mail trucks, meticulously restored railway cars, and the pioneering aircraft that birthed the age of airmail. These machines are presented not merely as relics of industry, but as symbols of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of intimacy across continents. The exhibits detailing the evolution of rail and air transport illustrate a shrinking world, where innovation acted as the catalyst for national and international unity.

    Beyond the mechanical, the museum offers a profound look at the artistry embedded in the very fabric of American visual culture through the legacy of the United States Postal Service. This includes:

    Early Engravings:

    The foundational era of 1847, featuring modest yet precise black engravings on white paper, such as the portraits of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington.

    Pictorial Evolution:

    The transformative shift in the 1860s and 70s toward stamps that graced envelopes with American landscapes, historical events, and vibrant symbols.

    Graphic Precision:

    The meticulous work of skilled engravers like Rawdon, Wright, Hatch & Edson, whose commitment to detail established a lasting standard for production.

    The Human Element in the Archive

    What truly distinguishes the National Postal Museum is its profound ability to humanize the grand sweep of history through intimate, personal narratives. The museum masterfully balances the monumental with the minute, such as the poignant acquisition of

    John Lennon’s childhood stamp collection

    . This single, delicate archive offers a rare glimpse into the formative passions of a global icon, reminding us that even the most legendary figures were once connected to the world through the simple magic of a delivered letter.

    Through recurring exhibitions that explore themes of migration, communication, and postal art, the museum invites all who enter to contemplate how the tools of delivery have shaped our very concept of community. It is a sanctuary of memory, where every artifact serves as a testament to the enduring human desire to reach out, to share, and to remain connected across the vastness of time and space. For the collector or designer seeking inspiration in the intersection of utility and elegance, this institution offers a masterclass in how functional objects can become icons of cultural heritage.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Two Eagle Dancers

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/stephen-mopope-two-eagle-dancers-D5DDNZ-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Mopope, Stephen. Two Eagle Dancers. 1936, Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. https://artsdot.com/en/art/stephen-mopope-two-eagle-dancers-D5DDNZ-en/
    APA
    Mopope, Stephen (1936). Two Eagle Dancers [Painting]. Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. https://artsdot.com/en/art/stephen-mopope-two-eagle-dancers-D5DDNZ-en/
    Chicago
    Stephen Mopope. Two Eagle Dancers. 1936. Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. https://artsdot.com/en/art/stephen-mopope-two-eagle-dancers-D5DDNZ-en/
    Harvard
    Mopope, Stephen (1936) Two Eagle Dancers. Smithsonian's National Postal Museum. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/stephen-mopope-two-eagle-dancers-D5DDNZ-en/

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Sept. 26, 2026

    Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope Part 4 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: native american, eagle dancers, kiowa art. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at Apache Ben, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Stephen Mopope was about 38 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: ArtsDot.com — accessed Sept. 26, 2026

    Two Eagle Dancers — Stephen Mopope Part 5 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What emotional tone accompanies the Flat style style of "Two Eagle Dancers"?

    The energetic emotion of "Two Eagle Dancers" accompanies its Flat style style.

    Where can I buy a print of "Two Eagle Dancers" by Stephen Mopope?

    "Two Eagle Dancers" is available as a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper. Orders are placed on its Fine Art Print page, in the size of your choice.

    Where can I find statistics about "Two Eagle Dancers" by Stephen Mopope?

    A Stats page exists for "Two Eagle Dancers". It charts the monthly visits of the artwork and of the artist's other works, with country and language breakdowns.