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

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

Public Domain

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