Bust of an American Indian c. 1848 - 1849

Henry Kirke Brown's "Bust of an American Indian," a bronze sculpture created between 1848 and 1849, showcases the artist's interest in portraying Native American subjects with dignity and realism. The bust, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a young Indigenous man with a stoic expression and long, flowing hair. The work is a testament to Brown's skill in capturing the likeness and character of his subjects, highlighting the beauty and resilience of Native American culture in 19th-century America.