Major Ridge
c. 1837
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.99.167.43
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This evocative print portrait, titled *Major Ridge* and created by an unidentified artist around 1837, captures the likeness of a prominent Native American leader and. Housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum Smithsonian Collection, it was generously gifted to the National Portrait Gallery by Betty. and Lloyd G.ermer. The image depicts Ridge in formal attire, including a distinctive bowtie, blending Cherokee heritage with Western influences—a visual nod to his role as a bridge between cultures during a turbulent era. Major Ridgec. 1771–1839) was a key Cherokee chief who navigated the pre...