Sitting Bull 1972

Here we see Leonard Baskin’s stark lithograph of Sitting Bull rendered in dark ink on paper. The profile of the Native American leader is striking, marked by bold contrasts and fluid lines that capture a sense of gravity and introspection. Baskin employs a semiotic approach to portraiture, where each stroke and shadow functions as a signifier. The heavy blocks of ink used for Sitting Bull’s hair cascade down, obscuring part of his face, which creates a visual weight that seems to anchor the figure to the earth. This mass is counterbalanced by the delicate lines defining his facial features, adding layers of complexity to the image. The tension between these elements reflects the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability, resilience and oppression. It's a poignant reminder of how we perceive and represent historical figures, inviting us to question fixed narratives and acknowledge the many layers of meaning embedded within a single image.