Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7

Large Antique Print of Esh-Ta-Hum-Leah, a Sioux Chief, circa 1838

About the Item

Esh-Ta-Hum-Leah: The Thoughtful Leader of the Sioux This is a hand-colored lithograph titled "Esh-Ta-Hum-Leah, a Sioux Chief," which is part of the "History of the Indian Tribes of North America." The collection of portraits is published after the original works by Charles Bird King around 1838. King's work was pioneering in that it sought to systematically record the likenesses of Native American leaders who visited Washington, D.C., often in the course of treaty negotiations. Charles Bird King, the original artist, was known for his portraits of American politicians and European royalty, but he is most celebrated for his depictions of Native American leaders. Unfortunately, many of King's original paintings were destroyed in a fire at the Smithsonian; hence, these lithographs are some of the only remaining visual records of these historical figures. Esh-Ta-Hum-Leah is depicted with an introspective gaze, suggesting a leader both contemplative and resolute. He wears a fur garment draped over one shoulder, with a single strand of beads around his neck, and three feathers adorn his head, one of which is distinctively marked with a dark band near the tip, possibly signifying a particular achievement or status. The Sioux, also known as the Oceti Sakowin, were renowned for their warrior culture, spiritual practices, and complex social structures. They were made up of different groups that spread across the Great Plains, living a nomadic lifestyle that followed the vast herds of buffalo which were central to their way of life. The particular significance of Esh-Ta-Hum-Leah within his tribe, beyond his leadership role, is not detailed in the print's accompanying text. However, as a chief, he would have been integral in leading his people through a period of great change, maintaining the traditions and negotiations for the rights of the Sioux during the mid-19th century as they faced the pressures of American expansion. His portrait is a testament to his presence and authority, reflecting the respect he held among his people and with those he encountered.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 19.57 in (49.7 cm)Width: 15.24 in (38.7 cm)Depth: 0.02 in (0.5 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    c.1838
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Closed tears in margins. Age-related toning. Shows wear and soiling. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13467-91stDibs: LU3054339057142
More From This SellerView All
  • Large Antique Print of Waa-Pa-Shaw, a Sioux Chief, circa 1838
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Waa-Pa-Shaw: The Stately Sioux Chief This lithograph is titled "Waa-Pa-Shaw, a Sioux Chief," from the "History of the Indian Tribes of North America," with hand-colored portraits ba...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Hand-Colored Antique Print of Qua-Ta-Wa-Pea, a Shawnee Chief, circa 1838
    Located in Langweer, NL
    The Shawnee Sentinel: Qua-Ta-Wa-Pea, A Chief of Poise and Peace A hand-colored lithograph of Qua-Ta-Wa-Pea, also known as Leatherlips, a respected leader of the Shawnee tribe. This ...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Antique Print of Red-Jacket, a Seneca War Chief, circa 1838
    Located in Langweer, NL
    The Orator of the Seneca: Red Jacket, Voice of Sovereignty This lithograph is of Red Jacket, a noted Seneca war chief and orator. It comes from the "History of the Indian Tribes of ...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Antique Print of Push-Ma-Ta-Ha, a Choctaw Warrior, circa 1838
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Dignity in Diplomacy: Pushmataha, The Choctaw Statesman The image for sale is an original hand-colored lithograph of Pushmataha, often anglicized as Push-Ma-Ta-Ha, depicted as a dis...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Antique Print of Chono Ca Pe, an Otoe Chief, circa 1838
    Located in Langweer, NL
    Steward of the Plains: Chono Ca Pe, An Otoe Chief This is a hand-colored lithograph of Chono Ca Pe, an Otoe (often spelled Ottoe) Chief, taken from the "History of the Indian Tribes...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Hand-Colored Antique Print of Pa-She-Pa-Haw, a Sauk Chief, circa 1838
    Located in Langweer, NL
    The Resolute Guardian: Pa-She-Pa-Haw, A Sauk Chief This lithograph is of Pa-She-Pa-Haw, a leader of the Sauk tribe, also known as the Sac or 'The Stabbing Chief'. The artwork is der...
    Category

    Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

    Materials

    Paper

You May Also Like
  • Set of 12 Original Antique Ethnographical Prints, circa 1838
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Wonderful set of ethnographical prints Lovely pastel colors. Lithographs with original hand colur Published by Smith, Elder And Co. 1838 Unframed.
    Category

    Antique 1830s English Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Pair of Original Antique Botanical Prints, Dated 1838
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Wonderful pair of botanical prints. Lithographs by Alfred Adlard After C.W Harrison Original hand color Published, 1838 Unframed. The me...
    Category

    Antique 1830s English Chinoiserie Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Original Antique Orientalist Print Dated 1838
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Great 0rientalist image Fine steel engraving Published by Fisher 1838 Unframed.
    Category

    Antique 1830s English Moorish Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Original Antique Print of Hornbills, circa 1835
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Great image of Hornbills Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. ...
    Category

    Antique 1830s English Folk Art Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Large Original Antique Print of Kingfishers, circa 1835
    Located in St Annes, Lancashire
    Great image of Kingfishers Unframed. It gives you the option of perhaps making a set up using your own choice of frames. Lithograph after Cpt. Brown with original hand color. Publ...
    Category

    Antique 1830s English Folk Art Prints

    Materials

    Paper

  • Set of Four Hand Colored Humming Bird Prints
    Located in Palm Beach, FL
    Here are four framed hand colored humming bird species published in the early 20th century representing the original 19th century work of Scottish naturalist, Sir William Jardine. Pr...
    Category

    20th Century English British Colonial Prints

    Materials

    Hardwood

Recently Viewed

View All