Beschreibung:

The American Aboriginal Portfolio. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co., [1853]. 84 pp. Additonal engraved title, 26 engraved plates after drawings by Seth Eastman 4to (317 x 234 mm). Original full crimson morocco, elaborately decorated and lettered in gilt, a.e.g. Custom chemise and red morocco-backed slipcase. Some foxing, binding lightly rubbed and corners and along joints. FIRST EDITION, IN PRESENTATION BINDING, INSCRIBED BY THE PUBLISHERS to Mrs. John Grigg, wife of the Philadelphia publisher whose firm eventually became J.B. Lippincott & Co., and the aunt of General George B. McClellan. Seth Eastman the artist, spent the first few years of his military career at Fort Snelling near what is now Minneapolis where he learned the Sioux language and culture, captured many scenes of native life, and married the daughter of a Dakota chief. After a period as a drawing instructor at West Point, he was promoted to brigadier general in 1841 and was assigned to command Fort Snelling. He returned with his second wife, Mary Henderson Eastman, the daughter of a West Point surgeon. Seth continued to draw and paint scenes of native life, while Mary wrote on the subject. Eastman also illustrated Henry Schoolcraft's Historical and Statistical Information Respecting ... the Indian Tribes of the United States. Howes E17; Sabin 21682; Wagner-Camp 222c. Aquisition: Siebert sale, Sotheby's New York, Oct 28, 1999, lot 865, $7,475.