Joseph Brant (1742-1807)

Joseph Brant (1742-1807)

1786

Stuart, Gilbert

Height: 30 Width: 25 Framed: H: 41 1/2 x W: 37 x D: 3

N0199.1961

This painting of Joseph Brant (1743-1807), whose Mohawk name was Thayendanegea, is considered the finest portrait of a Native American painted in the 18th century. Brant was educated in Ebenezer Wheelock's school in New Lebanon, Connecticut, and later became associated with Sir William Johnson (1715-1774), Superintendent of Indian Affairs for North America. As a courageous and capable military leader, he rose to high authority in the Iroquois Confederacy. Brant supported the British during the American Revolution and led the Iroquois in support of many British military campaigns. Gilbert Stuart painted this likeness at the request of Francis Rawdon, Earl of Moira, one of Brant's fellow officers during the Revolution when Brant was in England seeking aid for a possible invasion of the United States from Canada. Stuart was born in Rhode Island, studied painting in London, and later returned to the United States to become the leading portraitist of his day. He is best remembered for his portraits of George Washington.

Painting