A quick glance around the rest of this gallery shows a stark contrast with this portrait. It was created by an American portraitist, an outsider to Native American culture. Why do you think Cross was motivated to create this work?

For the ideal browsing experience, please hold your device in landscape orientation.

On smaller devices, best results come from adding the app to your device’s homescreen . This will allow the app to run in full-screen mode. Please see a museum staff member if you need assistance.

A quick glance around the rest of this gallery shows a stark contrast with this portrait. It was created by an American portraitist, an outsider to Native American culture. Why do you think Cross was motivated to create this work?

Rain in the Face, Sioux Chief

Pre-Columbian & Native American: Edmund F. Petty Gallery»

user responses

mrbailey2:

Likely motivated by money or, potentially, the fervor of native american content in the artist and art buying community.