Bodmer, Karlv | A fine full-length double portrait of Sih-Chidä & Mahchsi-Karehde
Bodmer, Karl
Sih-Chidä & Mahchsi-Karehde. Mandan Indians. [Tab. 20]. Paris, Coblenz and London: [1839-1842]
Aquatint (sheet size: 616 x 448 mm). Handcolored, engraving by Hürlimann after Bodmer.
A fine full-length double portrait by Bodmer, composed from sketches made during the winter of 1833-1834, during the travelers sojourn at Fort Clark.
On the left stands Sih-Chidä ("Yellow Feather"), a young warrior who was fascinated by the work of the two foreigners. His portrait was carried out over three days in early December 1833. In it, he wears the beaded hair brows with long strings of dentalium shells and beads, a member of the Dog Society, the cluster of feathers at the back of his head may be an insignia of that group. Around his neck is draped a tippet of otter fur, the ends fringed with quill-wrapped leather. His heel-trailers are made of otter fur lined with red cloth and represent battle exploits. On the right is Mahchsi-Karehde ("Flying War Eagle"), who at just over six feet was the tallest of the Mandan. He also showed much interest in Bodmer's work, and over the winter was a frequent visitor, often bringing friends to look at Bodmer's drawings. He was a member of a band of warriors that regulated the important affairs of the tribe. The wolf tail on his heels and painted eagle feather in his hair denote battle coup. His rich clothing and general demeanor all denote a proud and successful man.
REFERENCE
Graff 4648; Howes M443a; Pilling 2521; Sabin 47014; Wagner-Camp 76:1
Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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Bodmer, Karl
Sih-Chidä & Mahchsi-Karehde. Mandan Indians. [Tab. 20]. Paris, Coblenz and London: [1839-1842]
Aquatint (sheet size: 616 x 448 mm). Handcolored, engraving by Hürlimann after Bodmer.
A fine full-length double portrait by Bodmer, composed from sketches made during the winter of 1833-1834, during the travelers sojourn at Fort Clark.
On the left stands Sih-Chidä ("Yellow Feather"), a young warrior who was fascinated by the work of the two foreigners. His portrait was carried out over three days in early December 1833. In it, he wears the beaded hair brows with long strings of dentalium shells and beads, a member of the Dog Society, the cluster of feathers at the back of his head may be an insignia of that group. Around his neck is draped a tippet of otter fur, the ends fringed with quill-wrapped leather. His heel-trailers are made of otter fur lined with red cloth and represent battle exploits. On the right is Mahchsi-Karehde ("Flying War Eagle"), who at just over six feet was the tallest of the Mandan. He also showed much interest in Bodmer's work, and over the winter was a frequent visitor, often bringing friends to look at Bodmer's drawings. He was a member of a band of warriors that regulated the important affairs of the tribe. The wolf tail on his heels and painted eagle feather in his hair denote battle coup. His rich clothing and general demeanor all denote a proud and successful man.
REFERENCE
Graff 4648; Howes M443a; Pilling 2521; Sabin 47014; Wagner-Camp 76:1
Condition Report:
Condition as described in catalogue entry.
Sale price
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
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