Portrait of Nine Native Americans

Edward Anthony, Mathew B. Brady

National Gallery of Art

The image consists of nine individuals, some seated and others standing, showing their full bodies. At the center, a man is seated on a wooden chair, holding a large bow and arrows, and is dressed in traditional clothing with a headband and long hair. Surrounding him are both men and women in different poses; one woman is seated on the floor to the left wearing a decorative headband. The individuals wear traditional garments such as beads and patterned fabrics, with some adorned with feathers or furs. Several others also wear headbands, and one man on the right wears a dark suit with beads and holds a stick resembling a staff. The background is plain and neutral, likely intended to draw focus on the subjects. The image appears to be a studio photograph with a carpet or floor covering visible underfoot.