Native American Indian Prints. Hand-colored Lithographs of Two Indian Chiefs. Lot of Two Lithographs, each 6¾ x 10½", disbound from the original publication, printed and colored by J.T. Bowen, published by Rice & Hart, Philadelphia, [1830-40]. Two exceptionally fine lithograph prints, made from the original lithographic stone, then water colored by hand, in bold and vivid tones. Each print depicts a different Indian Chief, with painstaking detail given to ornament and dress. The first depicts "KISH-KAL-WA, A Shawanoe Chief" in blue blouse with elaborate piercings and jewelry. The second portrait represents "KAI-POL-E-QUA, A Saukie Brave," with sword, ceremonial garb, and an elaborate headdress.
The idea of reproducing the portraits of famous Native American Indian Chiefs as colored lithographs was originally conceived by Thomas Mckenny, then Superintendent of Indian Trade. The original paintings on which they were based, many of them executed by Charles King and James Lewis, were first stored in the War Department, and later moved to the Smithsonian Institution, where they were destroyed in the fire of 1856. Subsequently, these lithographs constitute and important and valuable record of Native American tribal history, and are increasingly being sought after by collectors. Fine. Some peripheral soiling, with binding traces at extreme right-hand margin where the leaves have been disbound. Also included is the biographical text that accompanied the prints, also taken from the original volume.Two exquisite examples of Native American historiography.
Estimated Value $250-500.
