Indian Chief Maungwudaus, Upper Canada
Artist
Donald McDonnell
(American, active 1850s)
Dateca. 1850-1851
MediumDaguerreotype
DimensionsPlate (half): 5 1/2 × 4 1/4 inches (13.97 × 10.8 cm)
Case (open): 6 × 9 5/8 × 3/8 inches (15.24 × 24.45 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 6 × 4 3/4 × 5/8 inches (15.24 × 12.07 × 1.59 cm)
Case (open): 6 × 9 5/8 × 3/8 inches (15.24 × 24.45 × 0.95 cm)
Case (closed): 6 × 4 3/4 × 5/8 inches (15.24 × 12.07 × 1.59 cm)
Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Object number2005.27.20
InscribedNote pinned inside of case: "Indian Chief, Upper Canada, 1850-1851." Black paper label attached to brass mat at bottom: "By McDonell [sic] & Co. Buffalo."
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionImage of an Indian Chief in full headress which has been colored red. He is dressed in a suit and wears a necklace made of animal bones. This half plate cased daguerreotype is housed in a brass mat with the artist's label. An accompanying note is pinned to the inside of the case.Gallery LabelThe subject of this magnificent plate, a member of the Mississauga band of the Ojibwa Indian tribe, was born near Toronto, Canada, in 1811. Raised in the Methodist Church, he took the Christian name George Henry at his baptism in 1824. After working as a government interpreter for several years, Maungwudaus assembled a performing troupe of family and friends in 1845. After appearing in several American cities, from Detroit to New York, they undertook a successful tour of Europe, from 1845 to 1848.
"McDonnell's New Daguerrean Rooms," Photographic and Fine Art Journal 8:2 (February 1, 1855): 64. Rob McElroy, "Two Exquisite Daguerreotypes Bring Record Prices At Auction," Daguerreian Society Newsletter 10:4 (July/August 1998): 3-4; and Graham W. Garrett, "Maungwudaus," Daguerreian Society Newsletter 8:1 (January/February 1996): 6.
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