(William Verelst, British, 1704-1752)

Tomo Chaci Mico oder König Von Yamacran, und Tooanahowi Seines Bruders des Mico oder Königes Von Etichitas Sohn. Johann Jacob Kleinschmidt (German, 1687-1772), engraver, after William Verelst (British, 1704–1752), London, circa 1735, sheet 10-5/8 x 7-5/8 in.; black painted print frame with gilt liner, museum glass 16-1/8 x 12-7/8 x 1-1/8 in.

Provenance: Ex-Collection of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II; Christie's, January 22, 2021, lot 292, sold for $16,250 (https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-6303634); Private New England Collection

Note: The portrait this engraving is after features the Yamacraw (here spelt "Yamacran") Chief Tomochichi, who founded his tribe from Lower Creek and Yamasee peoples who had disagreed with the decisions of their tribes to sever ties with the British, and his adopted son and nephew Toonahawi. A skilled diplomat and passionate advocate for peace between the Native Americans of Georgia and the European colonists, Tomochichi secured his people’s access to their ancestral lands in modern-day Georgia, served as a liaison between the various tribes of Georgia and the British colonial authorities, and even met King George II on a diplomatic visit to Britain. He died at the estimated age of 95 and was succeeded as Yamacraw Chief by Toonahawi. First Governor of Georgia and close personal friend General James Oglethorpe served as a pallbearer.