Thayendanegea (Joseph Brant)

It was possibly the death of the famous Mohawk leader Thayendanegea that prompted Berczy to paint this classically inspired portrait. It shows the model standing and in profile, his outstretched arm evoking authority. The figure appears monumental – an effect emphasized by the low horizon line – while each detail of the clothing has been rendered with documentary precision. Depicting Thayendanegea against an imaginary landscape, the image is dominated by tones of red and green.