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

"Joseph, North American Chief" is a chromolithograph from the "Savage and Semi-Barbarous Chiefs and Rulers" series issued by Wm. S. Kimball & Co. in 1888. The portrait, which is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, depicts Joseph, a Nez Perce leader, wearing traditional attire and showcasing his braided hair. The chromolithographic printing technique, using multiple colors, helps create a detailed and expressive depiction of Joseph, portraying him as a prominent figure in Native American history. The series of cards, popular in the late 19th century, aimed to document and romanticize Native American culture, though it is important to acknowledge the historical context and potential biases within such depictions.