Portrait of Frank Hamilton Cushing

Thomas Hovenden, Portrait of Frank Hamilton Cushing, 1890, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. F.H. Cushing, 1985.66.312,6
Copied Thomas Hovenden, Portrait of Frank Hamilton Cushing, 1890, oil on canvas, 16 x 22 in. (40.7 x 55.9 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. F.H. Cushing, 1985.66.312,6
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Artwork Details

Title
Portrait of Frank Hamilton Cushing
Artist
Date
1890
Location
Dimensions
16 x 22 in. (40.7 x 55.9 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. F.H. Cushing
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Occupation — science — scientist
  • Portrait male — Cushing, Frank Hamilton
  • Study
Object Number
1985.66.312,6
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.312,6

Artwork Description

Frank Hamilton Cushing was a noted anthropologist for the Bureau of American Ethnology. He spent several years in the Southwest among the Zuni Indians, studying their language and culture. The tribe adopted Cushing and made him a member of their secret society, called the Priesthood of the Bow. (“Initiated by Zuni Indians,” The Washington Post, February 15, 1893) Thomas Hovenden conveyed the man’s athleticism and energy with a casual pose that suggests Cushing might get up and stride out the door, in search of greater adventures.

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