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Description

Assiniboin Indians by Karl Bodmer is a vivid, hand-colored aquatint that captivatingly portrays an anonymous Assiniboin warrior and the figure known as Pitätapiú.

A Swiss artist of significant renown, Karl Bodmer gained particular recognition for his compelling depictions of North American native tribes. His attention was especially drawn to the Assiniboin people of the northern plains, a community rich in distinctive cultural practices and lifestyle. As the tide of western expansion was rapidly transforming the continent, Bodmer's detailed portrayals offered invaluable insights into the tribes' lives during this era of change, effectively preserving their cultural narratives for future generations.

The Assiniboin Indians presents an eloquent testament to Bodmer's creative process. The two figures displayed were initially conceived as separate entities, as revealed by the Joslyn Museum's sketches and correspondence between Bodmer and Prince Maximilian of Wied. The blend of pencil and watercolor techniques on these sketches indicates a process likely initiated in the field and completed in the studio. A decision to unite the two figures on one sheet conveys a shift in creative perspective, allowing for a more complex and layered representation of Assiniboin life.

From a historical perspective, Bodmer's work serves as a critical record of indigenous cultures during a transformative period in North American history. It enables contemporary viewers to connect with these cultures and appreciate their legacy within a broader context of global art and anthropology.

State

Ruud's 1st of 2 states, without the date added.

Condition Description
Aquatint, etching, and roulette, hand-colored and heightened with gum arabic. With the Bodmer blindstamp below center imprint line.
Reference
Ruud, Karl Bodmer's North American Prints, pages 187-188.