In the late 1930s, Sharp sent a note to Frank Phillips about this portrait: "Their great medicine man of the 1890’s and early 1900’s. A man of impressive dignity, beautiful religious character and great knowledge of nature, and reverent confidence of his people. One summer during a big council, with hundreds of tepees in a side circle, there was a continuous storm of four days, blowing down teepees and flooding many out. Bull Child and his rival medicine men and their followers “made medicine” (dance and chant) one after the other of several hours duration each, day and night. Late the 4th day, the sun came out and cleared up while Bull Child was dancing, allowing him to win the great prestige." (Woolaroc archives)

Several other versions of Bull Child are extant.  See, for example, related image, #361 and its entry for a full description of this man and his relationship with Sharp.