[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.