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Indian Figure in Profile

1851
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.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Indian Figure in Profile
  • Artist: Henry Kirke Brown (American, Leyden, Massachusetts 1814–1886 Newburgh, New York)
  • Date: 1851
  • Culture: American
  • Medium: Watercolor and graphite on thin off-white gilt-edged Bristol board
  • Dimensions: 14 1/8 x 10 7/16 in. (35.9 x 26.5 cm)
    Mat: 19 1/4 × 14 1/4 in. (48.9 × 36.2 cm)
  • Credit Line: Morris K. Jesup Fund, 1989
  • Object Number: 1990.46.2
  • Curatorial Department: The American Wing

More Artwork

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Choosing of the Arrow, Henry Kirke Brown American, Bronze, American
Choosing of the Arrow
Henry Kirke Brown
1849
A Successful Hunt, Henry François Farny American, born France, Gouache, watercolor, gum Arabic glazes, charcoal on white wove paper mounted on board, American
A Successful Hunt
Henry François Farny
1906
Filatrice, Henry Kirke Brown American, Bronze, American
Filatrice
Henry Kirke Brown
1850
Major General Philip Kearny, Henry Kirke Brown American, Bronze, American
Major General Philip Kearny
Henry Kirke Brown
Henry-Bonnard Bronze Company
1872, cast 1900
Benjamin Franklin, Henry Kirke Brown American, Bronze, American
Benjamin Franklin
Henry Kirke Brown
Ames Manufacturing Company
1852

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