Mistipee, Yoholo-Mico's Son, 1825

Raised in the manner of his white neighbors, the subject of this portrait is a Creek Indian boy who was originally named Benjamin, which evolved to Mister Ben and eventually Mistipee. Although he wears authentic Indian costume, his pose is clearly derived from the Grand Manner style.
Primarily celebrated for his portraits of North American Indians, Charles Bird King (1785-1862) also painted landscapes, still lifes, and genre pieces. At the age of four, King's father was killed in an Indian raid. Perhaps this points to King's fascination with American Indians and his frequent depiction of them in his paintings.

Framed painting measures 21 1/2" wide x 25 1/2" high.
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