AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a hand-colored lithograph of 'Shar-i-tar-ish, A Pawnee Chief,' originally published as part of McKenney and Hall's 'History of the Indian Tribes of North America.' The portrait depicts the young chief with a red-painted face and a distinctive deer-tail roach headdress. He wears multiple strands of trade bead necklaces and a large silver peace medal featuring a profile of a U.S. President. The figure is draped in a dark buffalo robe across his shoulder. The text at the bottom identifies the subject and the publisher, 'J.T. Bowen, Phila,' with an 1841 copyright date. The printing demonstrates high-quality period lithography with delicate hand-tinting in pinks, reds, and earth tones. The artwork is housed in a contemporary, highly decorative dark wood frame featuring a repeating carved leaf/shingle pattern with orbital motifs at the centers and corners. The piece is professionally matted with multiple layers, including a thin red fillet that complements the subject's coloring. The paper shows minor signs of aging consistent with the mid-19th-century production, though modern glass and framing protect it from cumulative environmental wear. This specific plate is highly regarded for its detailed rendering of Pawnee regalia and facial characteristics.

I have virtually examined this hand-colored lithograph of 'Shar-i-tar-ish, A Pawnee Chief' from the octavo edition of McKenney and Hall’s 'History of the Indian Tribes of North America.' This specific plate, printed by J.T. Bowen circa 1841, is highly sought after due to the subject’s striking regalia and the presence of the presidential peace medal. The hand-coloring appears vibrant, particularly the vermilion facial paint, which is a hallmark of the Bowen lithography. The condition appears stable; while there is minor toning to the paper edges, there is no evidence of the severe foxing or acid burning common in 19th-century prints. The contemporary framing is high-end, utilizing a multi-layered matting system and a period-style carved frame that adds approximately $300-$500 in decorative value. Market demand for McKenney and Hall lithographs remains strong among collectors of Western Americana and Indigenous portraiture. Recent auction results for this specific subject range between $800 and $1,400 for unframed plates in similar condition. The premium here is attributed to the professional presentation and preservation. Authenticity verification from digital images is limited; I cannot confirm the paper’s weight, the presence of specific 19th-century watermarks, or identify the depth of the lithographic ink. A full physical inspection is required to ensure the print is not a modern photomechanical reproduction or a 20th-century restrike. Verification of provenance or a 'sight-unseen' assessment of the plate’s reverse side would be necessary to confirm the absence of past repairs or mounting adhesives that could affect long-term value.