Josephte Ourné

"Josephte Ourné," a chief’s daughter, is identified as the sitter of this portrait by an old inscription on the back, though nothing else is known of her. This large painting reflects a growing interest in Indigenous peoples and their lives. The vivid red smock, standing out against the dark, foliage-filled ground, endows the figure with extraordinary presence. The trout and the bird she holds confirm her youth, as only very young Indigenous girls devoted their time to hunting and fishing. It is a vision full of hope.