ARTIST: GEORGE ROMNEY
PUBLISHER: Pub. 10th Feby, 1779 by H. Humphrey. No. 18 New Bond Street. London.
MEDIUM: Mezzotint,
DATE: 1779.
EDITION SIZE: Plate size 19 3/4 x 13 7/8" (50 x 35.2 cm).
DESCRIPTION: Engraved by John Raphael Smith. after the painting by George Romney.<BR><BR> Joseph Brant, also known by his Mohawk name Thayendanegea, which in the Mohawk language means, <b>“He places two bets together.”</b> was a pivotal Mohawk leader and diplomat, leaving an indelible mark on the American Revolutionary War and the early history of Canada. Born along the Cuyahoga River in 1742 (present-day Ohio,), Brant emerged as a respected figure within the Iroquois Confederacy, skillfully navigating the intricate geopolitics of the 18th century.<br><br> At the age of 15, Thayendanegea , later known as Joseph Brant, showcased his early bravery by accompanying Sir William Johnson into action during the French and Indian War. Serving as a scout, he played a crucial role in the assault on Fort Carillon and actively participated in significant battles such as the Battle of Fort Niagara and Jeffery Amherst's expedition to Montreal.<BR><BR> Following his military service, Joseph Brant was handpicked by Sir William Johnson to enroll in Moor's Charity School for Indians in Lebanon, Connecticut—an institution that would later transform into Dartmouth College.<BR><BR> In August of 1775, a significant council fire was convened by the Six Nations near Albany, prompted by the escalating tensions following the news of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which suggested that war was imminent. Following extensive deliberations, the Six Nations reached a consensus that the conflict between the British and the colonists was a matter that did not concern them directly, leading to a decision to remain neutral. Joseph Brant, recognizing the potential threat to Indigenous lands if the colonists achieved independence, was particularly apprehensive.<BR><BR> Fearing the repercussions, Brant, along with Johnson, leveraged their influence to sway the Six Nations towards supporting the British cause. Their concerted efforts proved successful in securing an alliance with England, rallying the Mohawks, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas to fight alongside the British. However, it is noteworthy that the Oneidas and Tuscaroras chose to align themselves with the Colonists during this pivotal moment. <BR><BR> Around 1776, Joseph Brant assumed a crucial role as the principal war chief of the Six Nations, possibly owing to the support of Johnson and the unique circumstances he found himself in. Accompanying this elevated leadership position, he also received a commission as a Captain in the British army, overseeing the Indian forces that remained loyal to the Crown. <BR><BR> His diplomatic prowess became evident as he balanced the interests of his people with the encroaching European colonial forces, negotiating and signing treaties to safeguard the rights and lands of the Iroquois Confederacy. During the American Revolution, Brant aligned with the British, leading Mohawk and Loyalist forces in strategic campaigns and earning a reputation for military prowess and strategic thinking on both sides of the conflict.<BR><BR> In 1776, British artist, George Romney, captured Brant's essence in a portrait, highlighting his complex identity rooted in his indigenous heritage and alliance with the British. The portrait, transformed into a widely circulated mezzotint, contributed to Brant's image as a charismatic and influential leader, shaping public perception during that era.<BR><BR> Brant's military leadership during the American Revolution included involvement in key battles like the Battle of Oriskany and the Cherry Valley massacre. His leadership and tactical acumen garnered respect from allies and fear from adversaries. Post-war, he continued diplomatic efforts in Upper Canada, advocating for Indigenous rights and securing land through negotiations with the British Crown. The Haldimand Proclamation of 1784 granted a vast tract of land to the Six Nations, acknowledging their wartime alliance with the British.<BR><BR> Beyond his military and diplomatic achievements, Brant advocated for education and Christianity among Indigenous peoples, playing a crucial role in establishing the first native-run school in Upper Canada. Despite his efforts, the encroachment of European settlers and treaty limitations posed challenges for Indigenous communities.<BR><BR> Joseph Brant passed away in 1807, leaving a legacy as a complex and influential figure in the history of Indigenous-European relations. His ability to navigate 18th-century geopolitics and advocate for his people's rights makes him a significant and enduring figure in the narrative of the American Revolutionary War and the early history of Canada.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Good condition. Several short tears, one in ;lower margin to the plate line, two in right margin, one just into image 1/8 inch.
REFERENCE: John Chaloner Smith British Mezzotinto Portraits...from the introduction of the art to the early part of the present century. Henry Sotheran & Company, vols. 1-4, 1878–83, vol. III, p. 1306, no. 162
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