Little Wolf

Joseph Henry Sharp, Little Wolf, 1900, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1985.66.209,411
Copied Joseph Henry Sharp, Little Wolf, 1900, oil on canvas, 18 x 12 in. (45.7 x 30.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1985.66.209,411

Artwork Details

Title
Little Wolf
Artist
Date
1900
Location
Dimensions
18 x 12 in. (45.7 x 30.6 cm)
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — Little Wolf
  • Indian — Cheyenne
Object Number
1985.66.209,411
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.209,411

Artwork Description

The Cheyenne chief Little Wolf fought in the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn against Colonel George Custer. Joseph Henry Sharp painted several portraits of Little Wolf and said that "[he] was a great tactician, noble character, lovable man and devoted friend" (Sharp to Mr. Ewers, August 8, 1948). Sharp wanted to capture the likeness of his Native American subjects, and in this portrait he used the effects of light to accentuate Little Wolf's chiseled features.