Joseph Tayadaneega, called the Brant, the Great Captain of the Six Nations
The Mohawk chief Thayendanegea was an important British ally. He traveled to London in 1775–76 to affirm his people’s land rights. While there, Romney painted his portrait (National Gallery of Canada); this print was published three years later. The leader wears a European-style blouse and breeches with a feathered Native headdress and ritual pipe tomahawk. At his neck is a silver gorget, a British symbol of rank presented to him by King George III. Upon his return, Thayendanegea participated in the British occupation of New York City, then led Loyalists and Mohawk warriors in battles along the New York frontier.
Artwork Details
- Title: Joseph Tayadaneega, called the Brant, the Great Captain of the Six Nations
- Artist: John Raphael Smith (British, baptized Derby 1751–1812 Doncaster)
- Artist: After George Romney (British, Beckside, Lancashire 1734–1802 Kendal, Cumbria)
- Sitter: Thayendanegea (Joseph Brandt) (Mohawk, 1743–1807)
- Date: February 10, 1779
- Medium: Mezzotint; first state of two
- Dimensions: Sheet (trimmed to plate): 20 in. × 14 1/8 in. (50.8 × 35.8 cm)
- Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1953
- Object Number: 53.600.562
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Engraved by John Raphael Smith (British, baptized Derby 1751–1812 Doncaster) after a painting by John Harrison
June 20, 1804
John Raphael Smith (British, baptized Derby 1751–1812 Doncaster) (No. 10 Batemans Building, Soho)
May 12, 1781
John Raphael Smith (British, baptized Derby 1751–1812 Doncaster)
October 1785
John Raphael Smith (British, baptized Derby 1751–1812 Doncaster)
1776
John Raphael Smith (British, baptized Derby 1751–1812 Doncaster)
June 1, 1774
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please contact us using the form below. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.