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
Lincoln Letter
Does this cryptic letter reveal Abraham Lincoln's secret strategy for winning political power?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Ventriloquist Dummy
How did an African-American ventriloquist act become so successful in a time of racial unrest?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Preston Brook's Riding Crop
Was this riding crop a gift from Jefferson Davis as a reward for attacking a political opponent?
-
Related Investigation
Rebel Whiskey Flask
Is this flask a relic from the historic "Whiskey Rebellion" of 1794?
-
Also with Tukufu Zuberi
Philadelphia Freedom Paper
Is this document found in a flea market an original freedom paper for African-Americans?
-
Also in Season 6
Hitler Films
Could these rusting film canisters contain unknown footage of one of the 20th century's most heinous murderers?
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.