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Cunne Shote

2 of 3 portraits by Francis Parsons

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Cunne Shote

by James Macardell, printed for Robert Sayer, after Francis Parsons
mezzotint, 1762 or after
Given by the daughter of compiler William Fleming MD, Mary Elizabeth Stopford (née Fleming), 1931
Reference Collection
NPG D2240

Sitterback to top

  • Cunne Shote (active 1762), Cherokee chief. Sitter in 1 portrait.

Artistsback to top

  • James Macardell (1727 or 1728-1765), Mezzotint engraver. Artist or producer associated with 294 portraits, Sitter in 3 portraits.
  • Francis Parsons (active 1763-died 1804), Painter. Artist or producer associated with 3 portraits.
  • Robert Sayer (1724 or 1725-1794), Printseller and publisher. Artist or producer associated with 198 portraits.

This portraitback to top

In a bid for peace and an effort to end enmity with the British, Cherokee leaders Cunne Shote, Ostenaco and 'Pouting Pigeon' arrived in London in 1762 with Lieutenant Henry Timberlake. The Cherokee delegation were described in the British press as "well made men, near six feet high, well dressed in their own country habit . . . (with painted faces and) heads adorned with shells, feathers, ear-rings and other ornaments."

Their unusual, non-European appearance inspired the painted likeness on which this rare mezzotint is based. The image depicts a man who meet's the viewer's gaze, he holds a dagger tightly in one hand. The background is an imagined scene of his native land.

The chief wears silver medals from King George III which are prominently visable on the collar of the sitter's shirt. The portrait is testimony to the successful outcomes of the diplomatic visit and loyalty to the British crown. The alliance made between the British Crown and the Cherokee leaders continued into the American Revolution that took place between 1765 and 1783.

Placesback to top

Events of 1762back to top

Current affairs

Birth of George, Prince of Wales (later George IV) on 12 August.
Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle resigns as Prime Minister over foreign policy and is succeeded by the Tory John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute. Many of Newcastle's followers are dismissed over the following months in what becomes popularly known as the 'Massacre of the Pelhamite Innocents'.
'Cock Lane ghost' appears in Smithfield, London.

Art and science

James MacPherson publishes Fingal, an Ancient Epic Poem, said to be the work of the third century Scottish bard Ossian, initiating the greatest literary hoax of the century.
Sign-Painters Exhibition is organised in London by Bonnell Thornton to ridicule recently established public art exhibitions.
Artist William Hogarth publishes The Times Plate 1; an anti-war satire.

International

Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau publishes his major works The Social Contract and Emile; influential treatises on society and education. Peter III of Russia is reputedly assassinated as a result of a conspiracy led by his wife Catherine, who succeeds him to the throne as Catherine II (later the Great).
Seven Years' War: The British commander John Manners Marquess of Granby distinguishes himself at the Battle of Manila.

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