Ds-Nicholas de Grandmaison 53 Nicholas De Grandmaison

Here we observe a portrait study executed in pastel and charcoal on paper. The subject is a man identified as Bull Head, Petasaukomaipi, a Peigan Indian from Alberta, dated 1959. He faces the viewer directly, his gaze steady and somewhat distant.
The artist has rendered the figure with an emphasis on texture and tonal variation. Skin tones range from deep ochre to pale pink, suggesting age and exposure to the elements. The mans face is characterized by pronounced lines etched around the eyes and mouth, conveying a sense of experience and perhaps weariness. His features are strong: a prominent nose, high cheekbones, and a firm jawline.
The artist has meticulously depicted his long, dark hair braided with strands that fall down either side of his face. A necklace of turquoise beads adorns his neck, adding a touch of ornamentation to the otherwise austere presentation. The background is rendered in muted earth tones, allowing the subjects features and expression to remain the focal point.
The composition suggests an attempt at capturing not merely a likeness but also something of the man’s inner character. There is a dignity and quiet strength conveyed through his posture and gaze. The inclusion of his name and tribal affiliation beneath the image indicates an intention to document and preserve cultural identity, potentially as part of a broader project focused on Indigenous peoples.
Subtly, the work hints at themes of cultural preservation and representation. The portrait seems less about celebrating or romanticizing, and more about presenting a direct encounter with an individual whose life is rooted in a specific place and tradition. The artists choice to depict him against a neutral background reinforces this sense of straightforward observation, avoiding any overt narrative or symbolic embellishment.