Sharitarish (Wicked Chief), Pawnee by Charles Bird King. An oil portrait of a Pawnee leader with a prominent red crest and feather, wearing multiple strands of beads and a large silver medal against a blue sky.

Sharitarish (Wicked Chief), Pawnee

Charles Bird King

1822 · Oil Paint, Panel

A striking and colorful 19th-century portrait of a Pawnee leader, characterized by vibrant pigments and a commanding presence.

$129

For the selected configuration

From $129

3 frame sizes

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Frame color
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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)

Where it works

A bold work with active energy in a warmer tonal register — supports a polished room with depth.

Often works in
Living Room · Study · Office
Placement
Strongest where a vertical wall can take more presence
Walls
Benefits from a distinct wall tone
Color notes
Soft white, Burnished orange, Warm beige

About the piece

Painted in 1822 by Charles Bird King, this oil on panel portrait depicts Sharitarish (Wicked Chief) of the Pawnee tribe. The work is a masterclass in early American portraiture, utilizing a bold palette of reds against a luminous, atmospheric sky to emphasize the dignity and status of the sitter.