Has No Horses, Sioux Indian, front view

In 1898 New York photographer Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934) embarked on a deeply personal project, creating a set of prints that rank among the most compelling of her celebrated body of work. Käsebier was on the threshold of a career that would establish her as both the leading portraitist of her time and an extraordinary art photographer. Her new undertaking was inspired by viewing the grand parade of Buffalo Bill's Wild West troupe en route to Madison Square Garden for several weeks of performances.

Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph Sioux Indians traveling with the show in her studio. Within weeks, Käsebier began a unique and special project photographing the Indian men, women, and children formally and informally. Friendships developed, and her photography of these Native Americans continued for more than a decade.

Has No Horses appears comfortable in posing for his portraits, seeming patient as the photographer takes his front view and left and right profiles. He agreed, like many of the other Native Americans visiting Käsebier's studio, to pose in full dress with war bonnet, then without, and a third time with a war club. A blanket, or rug, hangs as a backdrop; the profiles show the heavy wooden studio chair used in the sitting.

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