Francis Godfroy portrait   Save
Ohio History Connection Archives/Library
Description: This hand-colored lithograph of the celebrated Miami Chief Francis Godfroy is based on a painting by James Otto Lewis, ca. 1827. Francis Godfroy (1788–1840) was born and lived in what is now the state of Indiana; his Miami name was Palaanswa. He was the son of a French trader and a Miami woman. Godfroy, along with other Miami leaders, used his status as a trader and negotiator to secure higher payments for Miami lands ceded through treaty, and to delay the forced removal of his people for longer than many other Midwestern tribes. This portrait appeared in Lewis's book "Aboriginal Portfolio," published in ten parts beginning in 1835. Lewis painted from life, generally finding his subjects gathered for treaty negotiations with the United States government. He was paid for these portraits by the War Department, which at that time had control over all federal relationships with American Indians. Godfroy's clothing choice in this portrait reflects both his mixed heritage and contemporary use of European clothing by American Indians. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: OVS3309
Subjects: American Indian tribal leaders; Myaamia Tribe (Miami); American Indians--Portraits; Treaties;
Places: Fort Wayne (Indiana)