This was one of Kane’s best-known paintings in his day and has proven to be one of his most controversial works. The image was inspired by Kane’s encounter with the Aboriginal peoples of the Columbia River Valley.
A chance encounter in London, England, in 1842 set the course for the cash-strapped itinerant portrait painter Paul Kane to journey through Canada's west, recording traditional Aboriginal life. To learn more about this controversial Canadian artist, check out our latest online art book Paul Kane: Life & Work, written by ROM curator Arlene Gehmacher. The best part? It's free.
