Indian Figure in Profile

Henry Kirke Brown American

Not on view

In September 1848 Brown traveled to Michigan’s Mackinac Island with his patron, Henry Gurdon Marquand, to prepare for his sculpture "Choosing of the Arrow" (2005.405). His visit coincided with a scheduled assembly of Chippewa and Ottawa, and he spent much of his time sketching and painting them. His portrayal of this man, though somewhat idealized, is also carefully observed. Brown faithfully delineates his sitter’s garb and includes details alluding to hunting and fishing. The canopy is a fishing net edged with cork floats, while objects hanging from the side supports include a decorated shield and a bison head.

Indian Figure in Profile, Henry Kirke Brown (American, Leyden, Massachusetts 1814–1886 Newburgh, New York), Watercolor and graphite on thin off-white gilt-edged Bristol board, American

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