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Description

One of the Best Canadian Lithographs.

Separately issued hand-colored lithograph of the newly-elected Chief of the Huron Tribe, by H.D. Thielcke. Lithographed by James Henry Lynch, Day & Haghe, Lithographers to the Queen.

This superbly composed and artfully executed lithograph is an important landmark from Canada's early visual history.

The work shows a finely executed illustration of the Huron Tribal Council, and the presentation of Robert Symes as an honorary chief. Robert Symes, an Englishman, was a lawyer, judge and the first chief of the Quebec City police (1838 to 1841). His full Huron name was Robert Symes Esquire Hotwatsi ('Hotwatsi' means hot whiskey in the Huron language).

Thiecke's image shows Syme's election as an honorary chief of the Huron tribe in Loretteville (now Wendake) about 12 miles north of Quebec City.

The newly-elected honorary chief is Robert Symes, a merchant of Quebec. The oil painting and a key are in the Château de Ramezay, Montreal, Catalogue (1957) No. 835. Jefferys 739. NOV 19 1986.

Condition Description
Original hand-coloring. Some edgewear expertly mended.
Henry D Thielcke Biography

Thielcke was born in St. James's Palace in London where his parents were both members of the Royal household.

Theilcke trained at the British Royal Academy Schools, and exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1805 and 1816, and at the British Institution in 1811, 1815, and 1816. At some point Thielcke was appointed "Portrait Painter to HRH the Duchess of York", a title that served him well in Canada and the United States. The date of the appointment is not known but it seems he retained this appointment until 1820, when she died.

Thielcke was in Quebec by November 1832 when he advertised as a portrait and miniature painter and he spent the rest of his professional career in Canada and America. He produced some very accomplished portraits, but this is probably his best known for his North American work.