Artist/Maker

McArdell, James __Engraver ||Parsons, Francis __After

Place Made

Date Made

1762-1765

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

HOA: 13 1/2″; WOA: 10″

Accession Number

1142.1

Description

Cunne Shote, or Cummacatogue was among the Cherokee leaders who accompanied Henry Timberlake (1730-1765) to London in 1762. While in London Cunne Shote sat for the artist Francis Parsons. The portrait was exhibited in 1763 at the Society of Artists’ Exhibition in Spring Gardens.

Cunne Shot is depicted wearing a combination of native and European clothing. Around his neck are a pair of British medals and a silver gorget marked GR III for George III. These objects are meant to show an allegiance to the crown. In his hand is a large knife.

It is likely that James McArdell (1729-1765) engraved this portrait following its exhibition at Spring Gardens. Though Parsons never achieved great success as a portraitist, McArdell was considered one of the best of the mezzotintists in London. He engraved portraits by Sir Joshua Reynolds, among others.

The painting after which this engraving was made is in the collection of the Gilcrease Museum (acc. 0176.1015) in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

DESCRIPTION: Mezzotint copperplate engraving portrait of a man facing front. He wears a single feather in his hair, a white shirt, a sleeve band, necklaces and a gorget around his neck, and a gold-trimmed cape. He carries a knife.

Credit Line

MESDA Purchase Fund