William Standing

William Standing, also known as Fire Bear (July 27, 1904 – June 27, 1951) was an American painter and illustrator. He was Assiniboine, and his work depicted the lives of Native Americans in the Northwestern United States.

Early life Standing was born on July 27, 1904, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation near Oswego, Montana. He was Assiniboine; his great-grandfather, Wi-jún-jon, was the chief of the Assiniboine tribe. His Assiniboine name, Fire Bear, was the same as his grandfather's.

Career Standing began his career as an interior designer in Kansas. His paintings and postcard illustrations depicted the American West, especially the lives of Native Americans in the Northwestern United States.

Standing did many portraits of his grandfather and his great-grandfather. He also did a portrait of Charles Curtis, the 31st Vice President of the United States.

His artwork was exhibited at the Arts Club of Washington as well as in Paris, France.