(Tab. 46). Paris, Coblenz and London: 1839-1842. Hand-coloured aquatint engraving by Hurlimann, blindstamp. Excellent condition apart from a skillfully repaired tear from bottom edge to 1 1/2" within platemark. Large margins. Sheet size: 17 3/4 x 24 1/4 inches. A fine half-length triple portrait by Bodmer of two Blackfoot chiefs and a Kutenai (Kootenay or Kootenai) leader who lived amongst the Blackfoot. The figure to the left is Stom¡ck-Sosíck (`Bull's Hide' or `Bull's Back Fat'), an important Blood Blackfoot chief, who was probably about 50 at the time this portrait was done at Fort McKenzie in September 1833. The middle figure N¡noch-Kiñiu (`Chief of the Bears'), was a Piegan Blackfoot chief. He was an arrogant, aggressive person who was unpopular with both the Indians and the officials at the fort. Wrapped in a robe, he is very simply dressed for this portrait because he is in mourning for his dead nephew, killed near the fort by Blood Indians. The figure on the far right is Hemach-Ksíchkum, a Kutenai who had made his home amongst the Piegan Blackfoot for some time and had become a respected leader. A friendly person, he and Prince Maximilian talked at length about Kutenai customs and language.Karl Bodmer's images show great versatility and technical virtuosity and give us a uniquely accomplished and detailed picture of a previously little understood (and soon to vanish) way of life. Swiss-born Bodmer was engaged by Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied (1782-1867) specifically to provide a record of his travels in North America, principally among the Plains Indians. In the company of David Dreidoppel (Prince Maximilian's servant and hunting companion), their travels in North America were to last from 1832 to 1834. Well-armed with information and advice, the party finally left St.Louis, on the most important stage of their travels, aboard the steamer Yellow Stone on April 10 1833.
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