#116 • Johnny Johnson "Courage" Photograph

Part of The Johnny Johnson Estate Auction (timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

Starting at $5.00

Status: Available

Bidding closes Nov 3, 2026 6:38 PM AKST

Category: Art

"Courage", c.1997, is a signed photograph by Alaska wildlife photographer Johnny Johnson (1947–2025), numbered 26/950. It was released for the 25th anniversary of the Iditarod. The accompanying artwork description leaflet reads: "The strength and tenacity of the Eskimo sled-dog is legendary, but I had not personally observed this until the day I took this photograph. This dog was one of sixteen Eskimo sled-dogs in a dog-yard near a remote arctic village. The owner fed the dogs a daily meal of frozen salmon. Polar bears have an extraordinary sense of smell and this bear wandered in to the dog-yard intent on stealing a meal. He was able to snatch fish from a couple of the less experienced dogs but the dog in this photo stood his ground. He eventually nipped the polar bear in the face and backed him off. The polar bear meandered away and no dogs were injured." The photograph is signed, dated, and numbered in the lower right corner in gold leaf ink and printed on Fuji Crystal Archive Supergloss paper. An artist's biography is on the reverse. Also included are a 1997/98 The Art of Johnny Johnson catalog and a 1991 issue of Alaska. The photograph is matted and framed under glass, measuring approximately 23.25" x 27.75" overall.