|
||
|
|
|
|
Noápeh. An Assiniboin Indian. Psíhdjä-Sáhpa. A Yanktonan Indian by Karl Bodmer is an exquisite hand-colored aquatint, notable for its pairing of two distinct Native American individuals, Noápeh and Psíhdjä-Sáhpa. This selection of subjects reflects Bodmer's intent to showcase the diverse cultures and tribes within the vast Native American population of the 1830s.
Bodmer, an eminent Swiss painter and printmaker, is well-known for his detailed depictions of Native American tribes. His portrayals, like this aquatint, are revered for their accurate representation of indigenous culture, attire, and distinguishing characteristics. In this work, the prominence of Noápeh's antelope horn headdress is of particular note, potentially suggesting Bodmer's interest in highlighting distinct tribal traditions.
This piece's conception is rather intriguing, rooted in Bodmer's initial intent to pair Psíhdjä-Sáhpa with Tukán-Hátón, a Yankton Sioux chief. However, the pairing of Psíhdjä-Sáhpa with Noápeh, an Assiniboin Indian, was ultimately pursued. The reason behind this choice remains unclear, although it might have been driven by a desire to depict diverse tribes or the striking visual allure of Noápeh's headdress.
Despite Bodmer's initial proposal of the Tukán-Hátón pairing to Maximilian, an illustration of Tukán-Hátón only appears in a wood engraving within Maximilian's text, as a separate work. This piece, thus, not only offers valuable insights into Native American representation in art but also uncovers the complex processes involved in Bodmer's artistic decision-making.
State
Ruud's 1st of 2 states, before the addition of the date.
![[Illustration of Foreign Attendants] [lkoku-jin zuishin no zu]](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/55556.jpg)
![(Mexican-Aztec Paintings) Facsimile, page 19 of an original [Mex]ican painting of Sir Thomas Bodley's collection [in the Bod]leian Library, Oxford, [Aglio's] Antiquities, vol. 1](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/102328.jpg)
