The Case:
A Decatur, Illinois man purchased a painting on eBay from a seller in Belfast, Northern Ireland that depicts a scene of traditional Native American life.
Our contributor, a longtime student of the history of the American West, says the image appealed to him because it was strangely familiar, almost iconic in its imagery. The painting bears the initials “S.E.” and the seller’s web page reads “Seth Eastman, American Painting, Oil on Canvas.”
Could this painting be an authentic work of artist and military officer Seth Eastman -- and an accurate depiction of Native American life in the mid-1800s?
History Detectives examines how Eastman carried out government policies of Native American removal while capturing on canvas what many believed was a doomed way of life.
The Indian Removal Act
The Indian Removal Act was signed into law by Andrew Jackson on May 28, 1830, authorizing the president to grant unsettled lands west of the Mississippi in exchange for Indian lands within existing state borders. A few tribes went peacefully, but many resisted the relocation policy. During the fall and winter of 1838 and 1839, the Cherokees were forcibly moved west by the United States government.
Source: 21st Cong., 1st sess. Ch. 148, Statute 1, 28 May, 1830, Library of Congress
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Feature:
Related Links
Explore
-
Related Investigation
Manhattan Project Patent
Was this drawing part of America's secret plans to fuel the atomic bomb?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Lindbergh Engine
Could a 24-year-old have single-handedly built the engine for Lindbergh's plane?
-
Related Investigation
Cast Iron Eagle
Did this 12-foot-high eagle once grace the old Grand Central Station in Manhattan?
-
Also in this episode
Red Hand Flag
Is this peculiar flag one that African-American soldiers marched under in the war to end all wars?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Kahlil Gibran Painting
Is this painting an unknown work by an immigrant poet whose words inspired an American generation?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Fillmore Pardon
Did President Fillmore pardon a Native American convicted of murder?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.