Ds-Nicholas de Grandmaison 17 Nicholas De Grandmaison

Here we observe a portrait executed in pastel on paper. The subject is a man, presumably Indigenous based on contextual information provided below the image, rendered with a directness that emphasizes his presence and character. He faces slightly towards the viewers left, his gaze fixed forward with an intensity that suggests both dignity and perhaps weariness.
The artist employed a limited palette of earth tones – ochres, browns, and muted reds – which contribute to a sense of somber realism. The face is deeply lined, indicating age and experience; these lines are not softened but rather accentuated by the pastel technique, which allows for a granular texture that highlights their depth. A prominent nose and strong jawline define his features, while the eyes convey an impression of quiet observation.
The man’s hair is dark, streaked with grey, and pulled back from his face in long strands, some adorned with feathers – a detail suggesting ceremonial significance or a connection to traditional practices. The artist has rendered these feathers with loose strokes, creating a sense of movement and vitality that contrasts with the stillness of the subjects expression. A garment, seemingly made of fur or animal hide, drapes over his shoulders, its texture suggested through layered pastel application.
The background is indistinct, a wash of warm color that serves to isolate the figure and focus attention on his face. The artist’s signature appears in the lower right corner, executed with a confident hand. Below the image, text identifies the subject as “Black Sleep, Siko’moka” and locates the works creation in Blood Indian (Standoff), Alberta, 1940.
Subtly, the portrait conveys more than just a likeness. The man’s direct gaze and stoic expression might be interpreted as a statement of resilience or an acknowledgement of hardship. The setting – a reservation in Canada during a period of significant cultural change – adds another layer of complexity, hinting at themes of identity, displacement, and survival. The artists choice to depict the subject with such unflinching realism suggests a desire to document and preserve a moment in time, capturing the essence of an individual within a specific historical context.