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Instructions
You are now going to learn more about two of the paintings from the gallery. Please take careful notes on these two paintings. You will be the expert and will need to share what you have learned with your group.
Image 5 - Ne-Sou-A Quoit, A Fox Chief
Charles Bird King created this painting in 1837. In the years 1821-1842, King painted Native American dignitaries when they visited Washington D.C. These paintings were copied and sold as a book titled, History of the Indian Tribes of North America.
This painting and others were made at the request of Thomas McKenney who was the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. He had this painting and others, as well as several Native American artifacts placed on display in the building next to the White House.
Thomas McKenney wanted Native Americans to be able to have their own independent country here in the United States.
At this time in the United States, visiting dignitaries from any country, including Native American visitors, were judged by their clothing. Ne-Sou-A Quoit is dressed in clothing that show that he is the head of his tribe.
Notice the medal around his neck. It is a medal showing President Andrew Jackson. Why would this chief be wearing a medal with Jackson's picture on it since Jackson was trying to move the Native Americans to the West? Some people think that he is wearing it to try to have better negotiations with the United States government.
Follow this link to learn more about this painting.
Image 6 - The Jolly Flatboatmen
This painting was done by George Caleb Bingham in 1846. He lived near the Missouri River and the men who worked on the river were often the subjects of his paintings.
This painting shows men moving cargo down the Missouri River on a flat-bottomed boat. This is how crops would have been sent down the rivers during the time period we talked about when rivers were vital to our western farmers (think about the Louisiana Purchase).
Abraham Lincoln made two trips to the South on a flatboat. The first was when he was 19 and the second when he was 22. These trips likely helped to shape his views on slavery.
Take a look at how the artist shows movement in the men. But also look at how they form a triangle. This gives the painting both movement and stability.
Could you find the turkey?
Follow this link to learn more about this painting
Here is another of Bingham's paintings. This one is called Fur Traders Descending the Missouri.
When all three of you are done, you will start the discussion by sharing what you have learned about these two paintings
Each of you should refer to the paintings as you discuss them by returning to the complete art gallery page
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