Keokuk, Chief of the Sacs and Foxes

1838

Alfred Hoffy, after Charles Bird King

Associated Names
Alfred Hoffy

Artist, American, 1796 - 1872

John T. Bowen

Printer, American, born England, 1801 - 1856

Frederick W. Greenough

Publisher, American, 19th century

Charles Bird King

Artist After, American, 1785 - 1862

Two figures are depicted in a full-length portrait. The individual on the left is seated slightly behind the other person, with a hand on the other's shoulder and holding a staff with feathers. They have dark hair styled into a mohawk with red accents and feathers, deep-set eyes, and prominent cheekbones. The person is adorned in ceremonial attire, including a feathered headdress, a cloak, and beadwork, with a large medallion around their neck. In front sits a younger person with dark hair, bead necklaces, a medallion, lighter-colored clothing with beadwork, and red leggings. Both are seated on rocky terrain with surrounding greenery, against a neutral backdrop showcasing the vivid colors and intricate details of their attire.

Media Options

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Parker Gallery, London, England); Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1953; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Bibliography

1837

  • McKenney, Thomas, and James Hall. History of the Indian Tribes of North America, vol. 2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: F. W. Greenough, 1838.

1933

  • McKenney, James L., and James Hall. The Indian Tribes of North America, with Biographical Sketches and Anecdotes of the Principal Chiefs, vol. 2. Edinburgh: John Grant, 1933, pp. 115-149.

1972

  • Horan, James D. The McKenney-Hall Portrait Gallery of American Indians. New York: Crown Publishers, 1972, pp. 170-171.

Inscriptions

text at bottom on stone:
KEOKUK / CHIEF OF THE SACS & FOXES / PUBLISHED BY F. W. GREENOUGH, P‎HILAD / Drawn Printed & Coloured at J.T. Bowen's Lithographic Establishment No. 94 Walnut St: / Entered according to act of Congress in the Year 1936 by F.W. Greenough in the Clerks Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Penna.

Wikidata ID

Q77008905

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