Syacust Ukah was one of three Cherokee leaders to accompany Virginian Lieutenant Henry Timberlake to London in 1762, the other leaders being Woyi and Cunne Shote. The trip was made to reaffirm a peace treaty between the Cherokee and the British Crown, ending 3 years of war. Artist Sir Joshua Reynolds became one of the most popular portrait painters in England in the 1700s, and he frequently painted influential and wealthy British citizens. His decision to portray Cherokee leader Syacust Ukah demonstrates the respect and honored status that the Cherokee delegation earned on their visit to England in 1762.

From the exhibition: After Removal: Rebuilding the Cherokee Nation, August 25, 2017 - January 21, 2018.
Curated by Dr. Duane King & Dr. Natalie Panther, 2017.