Hayne Hudjihini, Eagle of Delight 1832 - 1833

Henry Inman painted Hayne Hudjihini, Eagle of Delight, on canvas in the 19th-century United States. This image exists within a complex social and cultural context. Inman was commissioned to paint portraits of Native Americans. However, these portraits often served a political purpose. They were used to create a romanticized view of Native Americans, which helped to justify government policies of westward expansion and the displacement of Native peoples. We can consider how the sitter is presented here. The style of dress, the jewelry, and the hairstyle are all elements that Inman chose to include. The painting presents a particular view of Indigenous culture, one that suited the interests of the dominant culture. To better understand this work, one might consult historical documents, such as government records and personal letters, and other visual representations of Native Americans from the period. Remember, art is rarely neutral. It often reflects and reinforces existing social and political structures.