Bodmer Aquatint Tableaux - Assiniboin Indians

BODMER, Karl (1809-1893).
Assiniboin Indians, Tab., 32 (State 1).
Aquatint engraving with original hand color.
From: "Travels in the Interior of North America".
Paris, London, & Coblenz, 1839-1843.
24 3/4" x 181/8 " sheet, 35 ½" x 28 1/2" framed.
With Blindstamp.

This powerful full-length double-portrait was composed by Bodmer from individual portraits made at Fort Union in June of 1833. The figure in the foreground is Pitätapiú, a young warrior and member of the Stone band with his hair ornamented with two small shells. On his left arm is a rawhide shield, painted and with an amulet attached to assure success on horse raids. A riding whip with a wooden handle hangs from a fur loop around his wrist. In his right hand he holds a combination bow/lance that was probably only for ceremonial purposes. The name of the figure in the background is not known, but it is recorded that he was initially very solemn until Bodmer's music box made him laugh. His quilted and beaded shirt is fringed with leather rather than the more usual hair. He cradles a much-prized trade flintlock in the crook of his left arm.