BODMER, Karl (1809-1893)
Punka Indians camped on the banks of the Missouri
[Vig. 11] [Leipzig: Schmidt and Guenther, 1922]. Aquatint engraving by Salathé after Bodmer, issue with date after English imprint. Small tears to upper margin not affecting plate area. Sheet size: 12 1/2 x 15 7/16 inches. Plate mark: 9 1/8 x 12 3/8 inches.
From the scarce Leipzig edition printed from the original copper-plates. Limited in number, the prints from the Leipzig edition are more scarce than, and compare favorably to, the first edition. (David C. Hunt, "Karl Bodmer and the American Frontier," Imprint/Spring 85, p.18)
On 11 May, whilst the steamer Yellow Stone was stopped near White Bear Bluffs, three Ponca Indians came aboard. They were given a lift up-river to their camp near Bazile Creek. Bodmer here sketches the moment when these three, including their chief Schuh-De-Gá-Che (`He Who Smokes'), were ferried ashore, to be greeted by an enthusiastic welcoming party of curious children and adults all wrapped in furs or blankets. Their camp of tipis can be seen in the forest margin beyond. The Ponca (Panka, or Punka), whose name denotes `sacred head', are closely related to the Omaha, Osage and Kansa Tribes, all of whom speak the same dialect. Karl Bodmer's images show great versatility and technical virtuosity and give us a uniquely accomplished and detailed picture of a previously little understood (and soon to vanish) way of life. Swiss-born Bodmer was engaged by Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied (1782-1867) specifically to provide a record of his travels in North America, principally among the Plains Indians. In the company of David Dreidoppel (Prince Maximilian's servant and hunting companion), their travels in North America were to last from 1832 to 1834. Well-armed with information and advice, the party finally left St.Louis, on the most important stage of their travels, aboard the steamer Yellow Stone on April 10 1833. They proceeded up the treacherous Missouri River along the line of forts established by the American Fur Company. At Bellevue they encountered their first Indians, then went on to make contact with the Sioux tribe, learning of and recording their little known ceremonial dances and powerful pride and dignity. Transferring from the Yellow Stone to another steamer, the Assiniboin, they continued to Fort Clark, visiting there the Mandan, Mintari and Crow tribes, then the Assiniboins at Fort Union, the main base of the American Fur Company. On a necessarily much smaller vessel they journeyed through the extraordinary geological scenery of that section of the Missouri to Fort Mackenzie in Montana, establishing a cautious friendship with the fearsome Blackfeet. From this, the westernmost point reached, it was considered too dangerous to continue and the return journey downstream began. The winter brought its own difficulties and discomforts, but Bodmer was still able to execute numerous studies of villages, dances and especially the people, who were often both intrigued and delighted by his work. The portraits are particularly notable for their capturing of individual personalities, as well as forming a primary account of what were to become virtually lost cultures.
`David C. Hunt, "Karl Bodmer and the American Frontier," Imprint/Spring 1985, p.18. Cf.Graff 4648; cf. Howes M443a; cf. Pilling 2521; cf. Sabin 47014; cf. Wagner-Camp 76:1.
Item #15608
Price: $435.00