As Carol Clark notes, “Miller chose his subjects because of their beauty or character” and this Sioux man was no exception. (Clark, Amon Carter Museum CR, 55) In his notes accompanying a related work, Miller wrote, “The Sioux from which this sketch was made held no rank either as chief or brave;—he was however a good specimen of the tribe.” Distinguished by his height, “fine form,” and “manly and dignified” comportment, this Sioux man appealed to Miller’s romantic inclinations and captured his interest as an ideal subject. (Ross, 23)
