Henry Church is widely recognized as one of America's great nineteenth-century self-taught artists. In this sculpture, he doubly illustrates the well-known proverb that forms its title, with a shepherd protecting his lamb while he is protected by his loyal dog. With its large scale, fine workmanship, and high drama, "A Friend in Need Is a Friend Indeed" is one of the most impressive of Church's monumental stone sculptures. Church carved this tour de force from sandstone that probably came from a quarry near his home and blacksmith shop in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.