(SS.A.1.4.3) evaluates conflicting sources and materials in the interpretation of a historical event or episode.

(VA.C.1.4.2) understands how recognized artists recorded, affected, or influenced change in a historical, cultural, or religious context.

The portraits of some of the major Seminole leaders of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842) are a highly prized set of hand colored lithographs. They were produced from original paintings done by Charles Bird King (1785-1862), a Washington, D.C. artist, noted for his portraits of prominent people in government and Washington society, as well as those of many Indian delegations who visited the capital. The Seminoles visited Washington and were painted during the spring of 1826.

The lithographs were published by Thomas L. McKenny and James Hall in The Indian Tribes of North America with Biographical Sketches and Anecdotes of the Principal Chiefs between 1837 and 1844.

By the time the book was published in 1838, the portrait of Osceola had been added to the collection of Seminole leaders. Osceola had recently died in prison, and public interest in him was high.

This image of Osceola is often attributed to King, but was it actually painted by him? If the portrait was painted by King, it could be one of the most accurate portraits of Osceola available. If it was not painted by King, then the accuracy of the portrait is called into question.

Students will analyze the portraits and draw a conclusion about whether they believe that the Osceola portrait was painted by Charles Bird King.

• students will analyze the Osceola portrait using the Photo Analysis Worksheet from the National Archives and Records Administration.
• students will compare the Osceola portrait to two other known portraits of Osceola.
• students will compare the Osceola portrait to the Charles Bird King portraits.
• students will use the the Four Corner Debate Strategy to decide whether the evidence supports the conclusion that Charles Bird King painted the portrait.
• write a concise paragraph expressing their opinion about whether Charles Bird King painted the Osceola portrait.

1. Seminole Portraits
• Lithographs of the Seminole Portraits
• Additional portraits of Osceola
  
  
2. Photo Analysis Worksheets
   from the National Archives and Records Administration
   http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/lessons/analysis_worksheets/photo.html
   
   
3. Four Corner Debate Strategy
   This debate strategy from Education World gets kids thinking and moving.
   http://www.education-world.com/a_lesson/03/lp304-04.shtml
   
   
4. Four signs for the corners. They are provided here in PDF format:
   • Strongly Agree
   • Agree
   • Disagree
   • Strongly Disagree

First activate prior knowledge by asking students what they already know about Osceola and the other leaders of the Second Seminole War.

Tell students that the lithographs of the Seminole Indians by Charles Bird King are important because they are highly accurate in their detail. Let students know that there is some controversy over whether the portrait of Osceola was in fact painted by Charles Bird King.

Have students analyze the Osceola portrait using the Photo Analysis Worksheet. Then have students debate the issue using the Four Corner Debate Strategy.