Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah - Black Hawk A Saukie Brave
Medium
Classification
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Betty A. and Lloyd G. Schermer
Accession Number
NPG.99.168.7
Tags
Art Historical Context
**Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiah, or Black Hawk, A Saie Brave** (1838) is a striking lithographic print by Alfred M.y, a Philadelphia-based artist active in the mid-19th century known for his detailed portraits and natural history illustrations. This work captures the dignified likeness of Black Hawk, a prominent Sauk (Sac) leader, adorned with traditional elements like earrings, a necklace, and a U.S. peace medal— of both his cultural heritage and interactions with American authorities. A book in the portrait may allude to Black Hawk's dictated autobiography, *Life of Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak* (1...