E Tow O Koam (Nicholas Etowaucum)
Date1710-1712
Publisher
Pieter Schenk
1660 - c. 1711
After work by
John Faber Jr.
1684 - 1756
MediumMezzotint engraving on laid paper
DimensionsOverall: 8 7/8 × 7 1/16 in (22.54 × 17.94cm)
Other (Platemark): 8 1/4 × 6 1/4 in (20.95 × 15.87cm)
Other (Platemark): 8 1/4 × 6 1/4 in (20.95 × 15.87cm)
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1967-344,1
DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "E Tow O Koam,/ CONING VANDE RIVIER VOLKEREN./ P. Schenk exc. Amst. C.P./ Ein der vier Indische Koningen die den 2 Mey 1710 zur audientie geadmittiert bey Ihro/ Brittanisse M.t zu Londen, verlangen assistentiz gegen die Franzoissen in America,/ zwieschen Neu Engelland und Canada etc."Label TextIn 1709, a diplomatic envoy of Mohawk and Mahican representatives in London caused a sensation, inspiring fashion trends, plays, and ballads. Several artists made portraits of the delegation, dubbed “The Four Indian Kings.” These were engraved in various sizes and at differing prices. Queen Anne commissioned full-length portraits of the men. Engravers quickly published expensive mezzotint copies and sent them back to Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) leaders in New York. Colonial centers of government received copies. Those sent to Williamsburg were displayed in the Council Chamber at the Capitol.
He is shown full face front with open shirt and a braid over one shoulder. It is likely that Schenck saw them when he visited London, and may have done these from life. However, they are so rare that they are not listed in the references related to Schenck.ProvenanceBefore 1967, The Old Print Shop (New York, NY); 1967-present, purchased by The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA)
Clemendt de Longhe
1660-1685
c. 1780
