Previous image preload Next image preload
Back to catalog
Lot 23D
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3
3 Hand Colored Bodmer Engravings, Graham's Magazine
3 Hand Colored Bodmer Engravings, Graham's Magazine
image_0 image_1 image_2 image_3

Engraved by Rawdon, Wright, & Hatch after Karl Bodmer (Swiss, 1809-1893). (1) "Dacota Woman and Assiniboin Girl," (2) "Mandan Women," (3) "Horse Racing of Sioux Indians" hand-colored aquatint, after 1844. Printed for "Graham's American Monthly Magazine." Each has artist, title, and engravers beneath the image, within the platemark. A compelling suite of three hand-colored aquatints presents distinct yet interconnected glimpses of Plains Indian life, rendered with clarity and compositional sensitivity after the work of Karl Bodmer. Engraved by Rawdon, Wright, & Hatch for "Graham's American Monthly Magazine", each print distills observational detail into carefully balanced scenes that emphasize both individuality and cultural expression. "Dacota Woman and Assiniboin Girl" offers a quiet, grounded portrayal of two figures standing in open terrain, their garments richly patterned and draped, conveying both protection and identity. Size of plate (all the same): 7" W x 11" H (17.8 cm x 27.9 cm); of paper (all the same): 11" W x 14" H (27.9 cm x 35.6 cm)

The composition draws attention to posture and presence, suggesting a moment of stillness within a broader landscape. "Mandan Women" shifts to a communal arrangement, where a group stands in close formation, adorned with feathered headdresses and layered robes. The varied textures and subtle differences in dress hint at social roles and ceremonial context, while the forward-facing stance of the figures lends the scene a formal, almost processional quality. In contrast, "Horse Racing of Sioux Indians" captures a surge of motion, with riders leaning forward as their horses race across open ground. The energy of the scene is heightened through the positioning of the figures and the rhythmic repetition of forms, emphasizing both skill and the central role of horsemanship. Together, these works demonstrate Bodmer's ability to move between intimate portraiture and dynamic action, presenting a nuanced visual record translated into the refined medium of hand-colored aquatint.

Karl Bodmer's works demonstrate his immense technical virtuosity and during their day provided a detailed image of a previously little known (and unfortunately not long for this world) way of life. Prince Maximilian zu Wied-Neuwied (1782-1867) invited Bodmer to create a visual record of his travels in North America, primarily to learn more about the Plains Indians in this era prior to the invention of the camera. The pair along with David Dreidoppel, the Prince's hunting companion and servant, traveled from 1832 to 1834. They landed in Boston in July 1832, then traveled to Philadelphia, where Napoleon Bonaparte's elder brother Joseph hosted them. Next, they headed west via Pennsylvania across the Alleghenies to Pittsburgh and the Ohio country, all the while visiting important German settlements - the utopian colony of New Harmony in Indiana being a particularly important stop. It was there that the Prince spent five months in the company of some of the countries leading experts, and studied informative literature about the American frontier. On March 1833, the party reached St. Louis, Missouri, and set off on their journey to meet and learn about Native Americans.

The trio left St. Louis aboard the steamer known as Yellow Stone on April 10, 1833. Proceeding up the perilous Missouri River following the line of forts established by the American Fur Company, they first met Native Americans at Bellevue; next, they met the Sioux peoples, all the while learning everything they could and recording the little known ceremonial dances and customs. Next, they transferred from the Yellow Stone to the Assinboine steamer, and continued to Fort Clark, visiting the Mandan, Crow, and Mintari tribes, and then the Assinboins at Fort Union, which was the primary base of the American Fur Company. They next boarded a smaller vessel to travel through the geological region of that section of the Missouri to Fort Mackenzie in Montana, where they cautiously established a friendship with the legendarily fierce Blackfeet. This was their westernmost point, as it was considered much too dangerous to continue on. Hence, they returned downstream, and the winter months presented their own set of challenges. However, Bodmer continued to create magnificent studies of the peoples, dances, and villages.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; Private collection of a Private Colorado Family

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).For those not using LiveAuctioneers' Live Ship program, Artemis Fine Arts offers expert in-house packing and worldwide shipping. With over 20 years of experience, our team provides careful, reliable, and affordable service. For a quick quote on this lot, please contact [email protected] prior to the auction, or call 720-890-7700.

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 202066

  • Condition: All have some minor discoloring, foxing, and cockling. A few tears to edges; none of which affect prints. Pencil inscription from previous owner at lower right of each page. Otherwise, clear imagery and nicely preserved pigments.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

by Artemis Fine Arts
June 5, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
686 S. Taylor Avenue
Suite 108
Louisville, CO, US 80027

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000