Chief's House c. 19th century

Theodore J. Richardson's "Chief's House" (c. 19th century) watercolor painting depicts a rustic scene of a wooden house with two totem poles in front. The building, perhaps a residence or a community center, appears simple yet charming. The house sits on a foundation of logs and is surrounded by a dirt yard with puddles, logs, and a ladder. The backdrop features a snowy mountain range, perhaps representing the artist's interest in Native American cultures and their connection to the natural world. Richardson, known for his Alaskan landscapes, likely captured this scene during his travels. The painting, now part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art collection, offers a glimpse into life in the late 19th-century Alaskan wilderness.