(British, active 1763-1783)
James McArdell, engraver, "Sold at the Golden Head, in Queen Square, Ormond Street," circa 1762, London, sight 13-3/4 x 10-1/8 in.; 18th century-style print frame by Perry Hopf 18-3/8 x 14-1/2 x 1 in.
Provenance: Donald A. Heald, purchased in 2015 for $18,000 (accompanied by a copy of the original receipt) Private New England Collection
Note: The sitter of the portrait, Cunne Shote (also known as Conocotocko II and Standing Turkey), was the Cherokee Beloved First Man (Chief) from 1760 to the end of the Anglo-Cherokee War in 1761 when he was deposed by the pro-British Attakullakulla. A sub-conflict of the French and Indian War, the pro-French Cunne Shote pushed the Cherokee into war with the British, their nominal allies, after the British executed several Cherokee prisoners, which was a result of tension stemming from each side suspecting the other of betrayal. After the war, in a bid to lower tensions between themselves and the Cherokee, Cunne Shote was one of three Cherokee leaders who were brought to Britain as guests. Unfortunately, their translator died en route which left communication between the Cherokee and the British nearly impossible. Nevertheless, the Native leaders drew massive crowds and received a personal audience with King George III.
See: Christie's New York, May 25, 2022, lot 35, for another impression which sold for $56,700.
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Donald A. Heald, purchased in 2015 for $18,000 (accompanied by a copy of the original receipt) Private New England Collection
mounted at top to backing sheet, trimmed to or near plate (slightly into image in top right corner), damp stains at bottom edge, creases, small abrasion upper left, handling smudge lower right corner