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Group of 3 Original c.1848 McKenney & Hall Hand-Colored Native American Lithographs
Offered together are three original mid-19th-century hand-colored octavo lithographs from Thomas L. McKenney and James Hall’s landmark publication History of the Indian Tribes of North America.
These are original antique period lithographs, not modern reproductions.
PORTRAITS INCLUDED
• Itcho-Tustennuggee
• Timpoochee Barnard – A Uchee Warrior
• Payta-Kootha – A Shawanoe Warrior
The portraits are based on the celebrated Native American portraiture associated with Charles Bird King (1785–1862). McKenney & Hall were the authors/creators of the publication rather than the artists of the individual portraits. The plates were produced in Philadelphia, with J.T. Bowen / Bowen’s Lithographic Establishment responsible for the lithographic printing and coloring of plates in the series. Individual publisher and printer information can be seen along the lower margins of the prints.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
McKenney & Hall’s History of the Indian Tribes of North America is one of the most important and recognizable 19th-century American publications devoted to portraits and biographies of Native American leaders and individuals.
Thomas L. McKenney assembled an extensive collection of Native American portraits, many painted by Charles Bird King from life when tribal leaders and delegations visited Washington, D.C. The portraits were subsequently reproduced as lithographs for McKenney & Hall’s publication.
Many of the original paintings from the Indian portrait collection were destroyed in the Smithsonian Institution fire of 1865, greatly increasing the historical importance of the surviving published images.
Today, original McKenney & Hall lithographs are collected for their significance to Native American history, early American portraiture, Americana and 19th-century printmaking.
CONDITION & CONSERVATION
These are approximately 175-year-old works on paper and remain visually impressive, with strong period hand coloring, particularly the blues, reds and other colors visible throughout the portraits.
Condition is consistent with antique works of this age and includes age-related toning, margin and edge wear, handling marks and other scattered imperfections. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.
IMPORTANT CONDITION NOTE:
The Itcho-Tustennuggee lithograph has a small puncture/hole immediately beneath the extended finger, clearly documented in the close-up photographs.
PROFESSIONAL CONSERVATION & FRAMING RECOMMENDED
These lithographs are currently mounted/matted as shown and would benefit from professional conservation and proper archival rematting.
Because of their age and historical significance, we recommend having all three evaluated by a qualified paper conservator and professionally rematted using acid-free, archival-quality materials appropriate for antique works on paper.
Once properly conserved and archivally matted, these would be excellent candidates for professional framing, ideally utilizing appropriate preservation materials and UV-protective glazing.
With their strong period coloring and striking portrait imagery, the three could make an exceptional coordinated historical display or could be professionally framed and displayed individually.
No cleaning, restoration or conservation has been attempted by us. The lithographs are being sold in their present condition exactly as photographed.
SPECIFICATIONS
• Date: c. 1848–1850s
• Series: History of the Indian Tribes of North America
• Authors/Series: Thomas L. McKenney & James Hall
• Portrait Attribution: After Charles Bird King
• Printer/Lithographer: J.T. Bowen / Bowen’s Lithographic Establishment, Philadelphia, as indicated on the plates
• Format: Octavo edition
• Medium: Hand-colored lithographs on paper
• Dimensions: Approximately 6.5” x 9” image area, with larger surrounding margins
• Quantity: Three original antique lithographs sold together
SHIPPING
The three lithographs will be shipped flat with professional, rigid archival protection to help prevent bending and movement during transit.
Sold together as the group of three shown in the photographs.
An appealing group for collectors of McKenney & Hall, Charles Bird King, Native American history, Uchee/Yuchi and Shawanoe/Shawnee history, antique hand-colored lithographs, early Americana and 19th-century American portraiture.
