Ds-Nicholas de Grandmaison 21 Nicholas De Grandmaison

Here we observe a portrait rendered in pastel on paper, presenting a man identified as Good Rider, Matsokitopi, a Peigan Indian from Brocket, Alberta, dated 1940. The composition is a three-quarter view, positioning the subject slightly off-center to allow for a glimpse of his upper body and shoulder.
The artist’s handling of pastel creates a textured surface, with visible strokes contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing the nuances of light and shadow across the mans face and clothing. The palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, creams, and muted reds – which lend an air of dignity and gravitas to the subject. A long braid hangs down his left side, a significant marker of cultural identity and potentially signifying status or lineage within his community.
The man’s expression is complex; it conveys both weariness and resilience. Deep lines etched around his eyes and mouth suggest a life marked by hardship, while his gaze holds an unwavering directness that implies strength and self-possession. The artist has skillfully rendered the texture of his skin, emphasizing its weathered quality.
The clothing provides further insight into the subject’s identity. A white shirt is adorned with vibrant ribbons in red, blue, and yellow – a traditional adornment often associated with ceremonial regalia or expressions of personal style within Indigenous cultures. These colors stand out against the muted background and highlight the mans individuality.
The overall effect is one of respectful observation rather than romanticized exoticism. The artist seems to have aimed for an honest portrayal, capturing not only the physical appearance but also a sense of the subject’s inner life. The inscription at the bottom – Good Rider, Matsokitopi, Peigan Indian (Brocket), Alberta 1940 – serves as both identification and a contextual anchor, reminding us of the historical moment and cultural specificity represented in this work. It suggests an attempt to document and preserve a particular individual within a rapidly changing social landscape.