Chief's House c. 19th century

Theodore J. Richardson painted "Chief's House" in watercolor, during a time when the American government was implementing policies aimed at assimilating Indigenous populations. Richardson’s work offers a window into the complicated dynamics between settlers and Indigenous communities at the turn of the century. Notice how the architecture blends Indigenous and Western building styles. The traditional totem poles stand alongside a building that integrates elements of colonial design. It is this combination that reflects cultural exchange, but also the imposition of foreign systems and values. Richardson's choice to depict the chief's house can be interpreted as an attempt to document what was perceived as a disappearing way of life, while perhaps romanticizing it. Consider how the emotional weight of the artwork lies in its depiction of a culture undergoing immense pressure and change. It serves as a reminder of the impact of colonial expansion on Indigenous sovereignty, identity, and cultural preservation.