Watercolour on laid watermarked paper

18.2 by 12.3 cm.

Provenance: The William Sandby Collection

With an original separate label on paper watermarked ‘Whatman 1815’ inscribed in pen:

‘Indian Squaw – Taken in Mrs. Barnard’s Kitchen – Halifax, Nova Scotia – North America; taken from life by E. Barnard – June 181[?]’

It can be assumed that Ellen Barnard is one of the seven children of Doctor Samuel Barnard. Barnard was Surgeon to the 98^th Regiment who, in 1795, married Charlotte Augusta Sandby, daughter of Thomas Sandby. Barnard’s regiment served in Bermuda and New Brunswick between 1805 and 1815.

The Mi’kmaq are indigenous to Nova Scotia. In this period, their dress is known from amateur depictions such as this. Typically, the women are depicted with the characteristic head covering and frequently they wear a crucifix around their necks. This Mi’kmaq woman appears to be in domestic service with the Barnard household and the painting provides not only a portrait of her but also a detailed account of the interior of a relatively humble home of this time. In the background can be seen Ellen’s mother and even her dog ‘Lancer’.

Another depiction of a Mi’kmaq woman was in the Winkworth Collection and is now in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Others are in the Library and Archives Canada, such as C-151329.