E. Forrest as Metamora (the Wampanoag Indian). First edition of the lithograph.

Currier, Nathaniel (1813-1888); Edwin Forrest (subject)

Published by New York: N. Currier, 1819

About this Item

Handcolored lithograph. 38 x 25cm. sheet size. Time stained. Ref: Currier & Ives : a catalogue raisonné / compiled by Gale Research. Detroit, MI : Gale Research, circa 1983, no. 1819; RUD-024. :Similar to Conn. 1644, but with changes in composition. .Native American in native dress standing on river bank with rifle in proper left hand and looking directly at viewer.Edwin Forrest was a great American actor who worked in Philadelphia and in New York. He was often cast to play characters of African American or Native American decent and was considered to be highly convincing. E. Forrest as Metamora is a full-length theatrical portrait, commemorating Forrest's role as Metamora in the 1829 play, Metamora or The Last of the Wampanoags, by John Augustus Stone.Metamora, often referred to by his English name King Philip, was the leader of the Wampanoag tribe in the 17th century. He is best known for leading King Philip's War, a conflict between the Wampanoags and English colonists in New England. Metamora was also the subject of a popular 1829 play, "Metamora, or the the Last of the Wampanoags," which depicted him as a heroic and noble figureCurrier & Ives produced more than 100 images of George Washington. As the first president of the United States, Washington was distinguished as the father of a new nation and was respected for his wisdom, honesty and leadership during the Revolution. The pageantry of this print, with its flowing flags and mighty eagle, reflects the European tradition of imperial imagery used in grand history paintings. The idea of Washington as defender and protector of the country is represented by the presence of women and children, who greet the new president as he travels to New York City for his inauguration.From the collection of Frederick Ruffner, the founder of Gale Research, Detroit.

Seller Inventory # 51-6536

Bibliographic Details

• Title: E. Forrest as Metamora (the Wampanoag Indian). First edition of the lithograph.
• Publisher: New York: N. Currier, 1819
• Condition: Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Prints - American