The style of the signature and the monogram confirm the early date, 1899, the first year Sharp stayed with the Crow. It may be Sharp’s first portrait of his friend and the one exhibited at the Cincinnati Museum in the fall of 1900.  The artist would paint several other portraits of White Swan over the few years. Another early version can be found in #73 in the Gilcrease Museum collection.

A label authored by the artist is associated with this work. It reads: "White Swan. Crow, Reno’s scout in Custer battle, wounded many times. Picked up in battle field two days later – deaf & dumb from stoke of war club in forehead. A good artist in Indian picture writing.  Jolly, good natured, and general favorite. A full brother, tho’ direct opposite in character of "Curly", Custer’s scout."