Mid 19th Century Vintage Engraving, Framed

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This is an original print engraved on a metal plate.

The engraving is titled VALLEY OF THE ST. PETERS Minnesota … Read more This is an original print engraved on a metal plate.

The engraving is titled VALLEY OF THE ST. PETERS Minnesota . There is a notation in the bottom left hand corner: Capitan S Eastman U.S. Army.. Capitan Seth Eastman was stationed in Minnesota and is the artist of the drawing from which this engraving was made. In the army he worked as a cartographer and illustrator. He was well known in his lifetime as a painter of both oils and watercolors. He was commissioned by Congress in 1867 to paint nine paintings of Native American themes to decorate the hearing room of the House Committee on Indian Affairs.

This is a period in American history when Congress passed the Indian Removal Act,, and is referred to as the period of the American In dian Wars.

The engraving does not reflect that history. Instead, Native Americans are portrayed in a peaceful setting. A couple in the foreground are seated dressed in traditional indigenous costume. See the feathers ornamenting the hair of one of the figures. Along the shore of the body of water are several teepee dwellings. while canoes ply the water.

Engravings of many of Eastman's drawings were made to decorate homes fascinated by Native Americans. Today the engravings are somewhat rare and collectible See less