This painting of an unknown Nez Perce Indian is among Miller’s most polished Indian portraits. He has confidently depicted his subject’s expression and distinctive profile and skillfully delineated the fine details of his attire.
In comparison to the study (CR# 298) for this studio work, Miller widened his angle on the sitter, depicting not only his profile, but also his torso, right arm, and right hand. Miller highlighted this Nez Perce Indian’s ornamentation; from the hairpipe at his temple to the strings of beaded necklaces across his chest to his most prominent attributes—a nose ring and earrings. Pastel washes of red, white, and blue echo the colors of the sitter’s extravagant jewelry and envelope him in a cloudy, nondescript setting.
