Religion · 19th century
€ 440
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Some stains along the right border, not affecting the image. Please study scan carefully.
This lithograph by Karl Joseph Brodtmann is one of his ethnographic works, featuring three portraits: Mico Chlucco, Miranda, and a Juri individual. The portrayal of these figures reflects Brodtmann’s ongoing project to document indigenous peoples from various parts of the Americas, each identified with their respective names and distinctive cultural traits.
The lithograph presents three individuals, each distinct in cultural and geographical origin, suggesting they belong to different indigenous groups, possibly from North and South America.
1. Mico Chlucco (top) is depicted in profile, wearing a headdress with long feathers, adorned with beads and elaborate decorations. His attire resembles that of a leader or warrior, suggesting high status. The name Mico Chlucco could be associated with the Muscogee (Creek) people, where "Mico" refers to a chieftain or leader. The intricate headgear and serious expression reflect European portrayals of indigenous leaders as noble figures of power and authority.
2. Miranda (bottom left) is shown as a young individual with short, dark hair. This portrayal is likely of a person from a South American tribe, but without additional context, it is difficult to specify the exact group. The simple, unadorned nature of the figure, shown bare-chested, contrasts with the elaborate attire of Mico Chlucco, perhaps emphasizing cultural differences between northern and southern indigenous groups.
3. Juri (bottom right) is another individual, whose name might refer to a member of the Juri (Yuri) people, an indigenous group from the Amazon region. The figure is depicted with facial markings, possibly traditional paint used for ceremonies or tribal identification, and has a calm, focused expression. The facial decoration is a distinctive cultural marker of the group, further enhanced by Brodtmann’s careful rendering.
Maker:
Karl Joseph Brodtmann (1787–1862), the Swiss lithographer, was known for his contributions to ethnographic illustration. His works offered European audiences a glimpse into the lives and appearances of indigenous peoples from various parts of the world. Brodtmann’s prints often appeared in scientific and ethnographic publications, where they served both educational and artistic purposes.
Technique and Style:
This lithograph, like others by Brodtmann, was produced using lithography, a printmaking technique that allowed for precision and reproducibility. Brodtmann’s realistic style is evident in the detailed rendering of facial features, clothing, and adornments. The use of fine shading to create depth in the portraits, particularly in the feathers of Mico Chlucco’s headdress and the facial markings of Juri, highlights the skillful attention to ethnographic detail.
Brodtmann’s approach to ethnographic portraiture sought to balance scientific accuracy with artistic expression. His works often represented the subjects with an element of nobility and dignity, reflecting European romanticized views of indigenous peoples at the time.
Cultural Context:
The portrayal of Mico Chlucco likely references the chieftains of southeastern Native American groups such as the Muscogee or Seminole tribes, where leaders were often depicted in ceremonial dress. Figures like Miranda and Juri are more difficult to place without further information, but their depiction hints at the diversity of indigenous cultures across the Americas, from North to South.
This lithograph would have been part of a broader collection of ethnographic works, intended to educate European audiences about the customs, appearances, and cultures of peoples across the globe, as well as to satisfy the curiosity and fascination of the time with exotic and distant lands.
