John Raphael Smith
Joseph Tayadaneega called the Brant, the Great Captain of the Six Nations

Public Domain

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Artist John Raphael SmithEnglish, 1752–1812

Afterafter George RomneyEnglish, 1734–1802

CultureEnglish

Titles

Joseph Tayadaneega called the Brant, the Great Captain of the Six Nations

Date1779

PlaceLondon, England

MediumMezzotint with engraving on laid paper

DimensionsPlate: 19 7/8 × 13 7/8 in. (50.5 × 35.3 cm)
Sheet: 20 3/8 × 10 1/2 in. (51.7 × 26.6 cm)

Credit LineThe Bayou Bend Collection, museum purchase funded by the estate of Miss Ima Hogg, Cheri and Andrew Fossler, the estate of Mary Beth Baird by exchange, Jas A. Gundry by exchange, the Hopkins Family by exchange, Mrs. David Bland by exchange, James G. Ulmer, Ann Upchurch, Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Britt in memory of Linnie Burton Donnelly

Object numberB.2021.1

Not on view

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Department

Bayou Bend

Object Type

PRINTS

DescriptionJoseph Brant (1742–1807) was perhaps the most important Native American figure associated with the Revolutionary War. He was an important ally of Britain against the colonists. Early family connections positioned him well for this. Brant’s adopted grandfather was among the famous four “Indian Kings” who traveled to London in 1710 as part of a delegation intended to establish alliances among native people against the French. Brant’s mother, a successful trader in ginseng, became acquainted with Irish-born merchant William Johnson, who served as Britain’s Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Joseph Brant’s sister Molly became Johnson’s consort or common law wife. In this portrait, Brant’s clothing and personal ornaments are clearly intended as important signs of his places in both the European and Native American cultures of his time. His blouse and breeches, along with the gorget and cross at his neck, clearly refer to the former, while his headdress and weapon to the latter.
ProvenanceGraham Arader, Philadelphia; [Arader Galleries, Philadelphia]; purchased by MFAH, 2021.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Recto in printed ink, in plate, bottom: JOSEPH TAYANDANEEGA called the BRANT, / the Great Captain of the Six Nations. / Engraved from an Original Painting of G. Romney in the Collection of the Right Honble the Earl of Warwick by J.R. Smith. / Pub. 10th Feby 1779 by H. Humphrey No. 18 New Bond Street

Recto in printed ink, in plate, bottom: 10 Batemans Buildings, Soho London [Faint scratch scratched letters in cursive; the address of the other publisher "Smith"]

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