Indian Figure in Profile

Henry Kirke Brown

1851 · Watercolor and graphite on thin off-white gilt-edged Bristol board · The American Wing

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.

Artist

Henry Kirke Brown

Date

1851

Medium

Watercolor and graphite on thin off-white gilt-edged Bristol board

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Morris K. Jesup Fund, 1989