Cunne Shote, the Indian Chief, A great Warrior of the Cherokee Nation

c. 1762

A mezzotint portrait entitled "Cunne Shote, the Indian Chief, A great Warrior of the Cherokee Nation" (English, c. 1762) engraved by James McArdell (Irish, 1729-1765), after a painting by Francis Parsons (English, active 1763-1783). The subject, Cunne Shote (also known as Conocotocko II, Cummacatogue, and "Standing Turkey"), is depicted at half-length, standing and facing right. He wears a combination of English and Native clothing. His head is adorned with a single feather headdress. He wears a white silk shirt and a cape over his left shoulder. Around his neck are several stands of beads, two struck medals commemorating the marriage of George III and Charlotte, and a silver gorget with the initials "GR III." In his right hand he grips a large knife. The background shows a lush landscape and includes a palm tree on the left. The Cherokee people lived on land in the Southeastern U.S. before their forced removal. The mezzotint is inscribed beneath the image on the bottom left "F. Parsons pinx" and on the bottom right "J. M. Ardell fecit." Printed along the bottom center beneath the title is "Sold at the Golden Head, in Queen Square, Ormond Street", this section of London was well known for its collection of book and print sellers. Across from this is printed the price of 2 shillings 6 pence. The mezzotint is housed in a black painted wood frame with an interior gilt gesso border.

Cunne Shote was one of three Cherokees escorted to London in 1762 by Henry Timberlake to reaffirm a peace treaty between the Cherokee and British Crown. The original painting by Parsons is in the collection of the Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, Tulsa, OK.

English

ink on paper

18" x 14"

Gift of Mr. Ralph E. Carpenter, 1954.

PSNC.2301