[Meta-Koosega] (Pure Tobacco), Chippewa Warrior

Henry Inman: "[Meta-Koosega] (Pure Tobacco), Chippewa Warrior," 1832

The painting "[Meta-Koosega] (Pure Tobacco), Chippewa Warrior" by Henry Inman, created in 1832, is an oil on canvas work that exemplifies the artist's skill in portraiture and his contribution to documenting Native American leaders. Inman was commissioned to create this piece as part of a larger project to reproduce portraits originally painted by Charles Bird King for Thomas L. McKenney's "History of the Indian Tribes of North America." This work is significant for its role in preserving the likenesses of Native American figures during a period of intense cultural and political change. Inman's ability to capture the dignity and individuality of his subjects contributed to the broader 19th-century American interest in ethnographic studies. As a prominent American portraitist, Inman's work reflects both the artistic trends of his time and the complex historical narratives surrounding Native American representation. His paintings remain valuable resources for understanding the intersection of art, history, and cultural identity in early 19th-century America.

The painting titled "[Meta-Koosega] (Pure Tobacco), Chippewa Warrior" by Henry Inman, created in 1832, is an oil on canvas work that depicts a Chippewa warrior with detailed attention to traditional attire and cultural symbolism. The artwork is characterized by its realistic style, capturing the subject's dignified presence and intricate costume, and is part of the collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.