[BRADY, Mathew (ca 1822/1824-1896), photographer]. Albumen photograph of Moses Keokuk and Shawpawcawcaugh with white interpreter. [Topeka, KS, ca 1864].

5 3/4 x 5 in. photograph on 10 x 8 in. mount with handwritten caption in lower margin, "Keokuk / Shawpawcawcaugh / Two Fox Indians and Interpreter." The subjects, who are erroneously identified on the mount as "Fox" Indians, are posed with an unidentified interpreter, probably taken in Topeka, Kansas, circa 1864.

Mount verso with pre-printed credit line "Lovell, / Amherst, Mass." and outlined area intended to contain an image, however, the mount has only been used as a support, the original photographer being Brady.

This portrait is similar to a credited Brady image sold by Cowan's Auctions, 17 November 2005, Historic Americana Auction, Session II, Lot 713. This attribution has been questioned recently, however. Both the present image, and the previously sold image noted above were apparently taken in Topeka, Kansas sometime around 1864 and show the Sauk Chiefs Keokuk and Kaw-paw-kaw-kah. (See Sauks and Foxes in Franklin and Osage Counties, Kansas, by Ida M. Ferris, Kansas State Historical Society, 1909-1910.)

Though not identified by name, the white man is thought to be the interpreter John Goodell.

Provenance: Cowan's, American History, 8 December 2009, Lot 233.

The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Some fading and darkening of mount, else fine.

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Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography, including The Larry Ness Collection of Native American Photography

[BRADY, Mathew (ca 1822/1824-1896), photographer]. Albumen photograph of Moses Keokuk and Shawpawcawcaugh with white interpreter. [Topeka, KS, ca 1864].

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