Catalog Archive
Auction 125, Lot 864

"Chippeway Squaw & Child", McKenney and Hall

Subject: Native Americans

Period: 1838 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
10 x 13 inches
25.4 x 33 cm
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A charming depiction of a native woman feeding her child, showing the Chippewayan cradle-board.

Thomas McKenney and James Hall's portfolio of Indian portraits documents an important part of American History. Thomas McKenney, head of the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs for many years, was a champion of the Native Americans and fought throughout his tenure to preserve their culture. His legacy was commissioning artists such as James Otto Lewis and Charles Bird King to paint many of the native leaders when they visited Washington. After he left government office, he produced lithographs of these paintings. The lithographs are the only visual record left of these great Native Americans, as the paintings were destroyed by fire in 1865.

References:

Condition: A

A nice impression with delicate original color applied to just the lips and cheeks. There are a couple of short marginal tears.

Estimate: $250 - $300

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/24/2008

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