Focus on this artwork and explore the Historical context.
By showing the European Johnson restraining the aggressive actions of an indigenous auxiliary, the painting has been identified by some art historians as promoting European standards of honor and laws of war, in contrast to the traditional "warlike" values of indigenous warriors such as scalping and killing prisoners of war. It has also been identified as referring to the concerns and debates that the employment of Indian allies aroused among Europeans, throughout the numerous conflicts in North America. Johnson's actions in the painting contrasts against Johnson's historical reputation which has included him being described as a "White Savage" for his positive outlook on indigenous traditions during times of conflict.At the beginning of the French and Indian War, a young George Washington is said to have allowed Indian chief Tanaghrisson seal their fresh alliance by smashing the skull of Joseph Coulon de Jumonville, a wounded French officer they just took as prisoner, then washing his hands in the man's brain. The Jumonville affair caused a scandal in Europe, where it accelerated the outbreak of the Seven Years' War.The same questions persisted during the American War of Independence. In 1777, both Houses of the British Parliament debated over the employment of Indian auxiliaries. The Earl of Chatham's speech in the House of Lords made November 20, which advocated against the employment of Indian allies against the American Patriots on the grounds that they would target non-combatant colonists and cannibalise them, was indicative of opposition to long-standing recruiting traditions in Europe.
French cannibalise Indian Jumonville affair French and Indian War American War of Independence Seven Years' War Europe British Earl of Chatham George Washington North America Joseph Coulon de Jumonville British Parliament Tanaghrisson House of Lords