Joseph, North American Chief, from the Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers series (N189) issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. 1888

This chromolithograph of Chief Joseph was produced by the Wm. S. Kimball & Co. as part of a series that reflects the cultural biases of its time. Consider the sash adorned with what appear to be stylized, quasi-architectural motifs; these bear a curious resemblance to Asian characters. This could be interpreted as a superficial attempt to ascribe a sense of exoticism to Chief Joseph, or an orientalizing gesture rooted in the era's limited understanding of indigenous cultures, reminiscent of how classical Greek sculptures were once painted in vibrant colours, only to be perceived later as pristine white marble. Reflect on the emotional charge embedded in the image and title, evoking both admiration and a sense of subjugation. Such emotional duality is a powerful force that engages viewers on a subconscious level. These motifs, gestures, and their inherent emotions are not linear, but cyclical, resurfacing and evolving in different historical contexts.