Indian Boy at Fort Snelling 1862

Thomas Waterman Wood made this oil on canvas painting, *Indian Boy at Fort Snelling*. Wood used the traditional art material of oil paint to capture the image of a Native American boy, which seems to be a scene of everyday life. He employed meticulous brushwork to depict the boy's clothing, the bow and arrow, and the surrounding landscape, investing time and skill into the work. The feathers in the boy's hair, the beaded necklace, and patterned belt all speak to specific cultural traditions, which are being translated through Wood's artistic training and the traditions of fine art. Wood’s attention to detail and the idealized representation of the boy might reflect prevailing attitudes of the time toward Native Americans. But it is interesting to think about the labor involved in the production of the boy's clothing and tools, as well as the labor of the artist in creating this portrait. Wood seems to use a visual language in keeping with this tradition, while also hinting at the rich cultural context from which the subject comes. By considering both the materials and the making process, we can deepen our understanding of the artwork and the cultural exchange that it represents.