%eadnotat; ]> Kern Drawings of the American Southwest 1849 Ewell Sale Stewart Library Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia 2002 EAD tagging 2002. ENG Kern Drawings of the American Southwest Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia February 21, 2002 Cataloging made possible by The Getty Grant Program. Coll. 146 Kern, Richard H., 1821-1853Kern, Edward Meyer, 1823-1863. Drawings of the American southwest1849 68 items Ewell Sale Stewart Library, Academy of Natural Sciences
1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19103-1101
Richard H. and Edward Meyer Kern, artists and western explorers, gave the American public some of its earliest authentic graphic images of the people and landscape of Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Colorado; providing views of Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Canyon, and El Morro (Inscription Rock). This collection contains Richard and Edward's original drawings from J.H. Simpson's military reconaissance expedition to the Navajos in 1849.

Born 1821 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Richard H. Kern began exhibiting landscape and figure studies in Philadelphia around 1840. He was an art teacher at the Franklin Institute, owned his own studio at 62 Filbert Street in Philadelphia, and was a member of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Between 1848 and his death in 1853, he participated in four expeditions in the west, where he accomplished his best and most well known work. Edward Meyer Kern was born 1823 in Philadelphia, the youngest of three Kern brothers. By 1841, he, too, was exhibiting in Philadelphia as a painter.

From 1848-49 Richard and Edward joined in John C. Fremont's winter expedition, along with their older brother, Benjamin (1818-1849). The two were to be artists for the expedition, and Benjamin the doctor. The trip ended badly as some of the party were killed in the mountains of Colorado from starvation and exposure. In order to move more quickly to safety, it was necessary that the brothers hide their goods (including sketches) in a cave. After arriving in New Mexico, Benjamin returned for the hidden goods and was killed by a band of Utes. Only some of the sketches were recovered.

In August of 1849, Richard and Edward joined J. H. Simpson on the 1849 exploration campaign of John M. Washington. The goal was to lead a military expedition to punish the Navajos for raids on the New Mexico settlements and to secure a treaty with them, in addition to surveying the country. Richard's role, as second assistant and artist, was to make portraits of Indian chiefs, costume, scenery, geological formations, ruins, and to copy ancient writings found on the sides of stone. Edward's role was as first assistant and topographer. The expedition brought both brothers back to New Mexico.

Edward and Richard lived in New Mexico for two years, working for the Corps of Topographical Engineers. In 1851 Richard joined Lieutenant Lorenzo Sitgreaves on an expedition to explore the Little Colorado River, and Edward joined Lieutenant John Pope, who was looking for a better route between Santa Fe and Fort Leavenworth. In 1852 Richard returned to Philadelphia.

Richard left for his fourth and final trip in 1853, joining Captain John Williams Gunnison on an expedition to survey a railroad route that would pass through the Rockies. On October 26, 1853, Richard accompanied Gunnison on a side trip to explore the area around Sevier Lake, Utah. There, A group of Pahvant Indians, seeking revenge for the murder of their chief, killed Kern alongside eight other members of Gunnison's party. The Indians carried away all the notes, sketchbooks and collections of the party. These were later returned to the U. S. Army corps.

From 1853 to 1856, Edward served aboard the U.S.S. Vincennes on the North Pacific exploring expedition commanded by Cadwalader Ringgold (later replaced by John Rodgers). This expedition navigated the globe and mapped the Japanese coast. Edward next joined Lieutenant John M. Brooke on a survey of the sea lanes between California and China, returning in 1860. During the Civil War, Edward served under Fremont, who had command of the Army of the West, but when Fremont was relieved of command, Edward was as well. He died November 23, 1863 of an epileptic attack.

The collection consists of the original drawings made by Richard and Edward Kern during the 1894 military reconaissance expedition led by J. H. Simpson to Navajos in the Southwest. Included are 68 washes, watercolors, and pen and ink drawings. Images vary only slightly in size, about 18 x 11 cm. on sheets measuring 24 x 15 cm. Most are by Richard H. Kern, but 3 are done by his brother, Edward M. Kern, and the two collaborated on 7 of the images. Most images are signed in the lower left.

The drawings and paintings include images of petroglyphs and rock paintings in New Mexico (most of which are from El Morro and Jemez dwellings), fragments of Indian pottery, plans and ruins of pueblos (particularly from the Chaco Canyon area), portraits of Indians (mostly Navajo and Jemez), and landscapes showing the cliffs and canyons of New Mexico and Arizona. The largest number of landscapes are from Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly.

Seven numbers are missing from the collection (2, 21, 30, 39, 65-67), three of which were not published in the original government printing of the United States Executive Documents, 1849-1850 (2, 21, 39).

Each image was found mounted throught corner slits on single sheets of brown paper measuring 9 x 12 in. Each had a number (1-75) written, presumably by Kern, above the image. Images are arranged in this original numerical order. Item numbers with an * indicate the image is matted and located in a separate box.

Petroglyphs--New MexicoRock paintings--New MexicoIndian pottery--New MexicoIndian pottery--ArizonaPueblos--New MexicoPueblos--ArizonaNavajo IndiansJemez Indians--New MexicoLandscape--New MexicoLandscape--Arizona--Chelly, Canyon deMilitary reconnaissance--Art--19th centuryExplorers--Southwest, New--ArtEl Morro National Monument (N. M.)Chaco Canyon (N. M.)Chelly, Canyon de (Ariz.) Ink drawings--19th centuryWash drawings--19th centuryWatercolors--19th centuryPortrait drawings--19th centuryLandscape drawings--19th centuryLandscape paintings--19th century Kern, Edward Meyer, 1823-1863Simpson, J. H. (James Hervey), 1813-1883

Information on reproduction rights and services available in the library or on the web at http://www.ansp.org/library/reproductions.php

Cite as: Collection 146. Kern Drawings of the American Southwest. Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.

Presented by Francis J. Duffy, December 13, 1898.

Finding aid by Mary Hammer; digitizing by Eileen Mathias, 2002.

None.

 Edward Meyer Kern and Richard H. Kern Papers. Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library. Hine, Robert V. In the Shadow of Fremont: Edward Kern and the Art of Exploration, 1845-1860. Norman: U of Ok, 1982. Kern, Richard H. Notes of a Military Reconnaissance of the Pais de los Navajos in the Months of Aug & Sep 1849. Huntington Library Manuscript 4274. McNitt, Frank, ed. Navaho Expedition: Journal of a Military Reconnaissance from Santa Fe, New Mexico to the Navaho country made in 1849 by Lieutenant James H. Simpson. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1964. Simpson, James H. Journal of Military Reconniassance from Sante Fe, N. Mex. to the Navajo Country by Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co., 1852. Weber, David J. Richard H. Kern: expeditionary artist in the far southwest, 1848-1853. Albuquerque: Published for the Amon Carter Museum by the University of New Mexico Press, 1985. United States Executive Documents. 31rst Cong., 1st sess., 1849-1850. 1aCover Title and Presentation Plate. 3 items.

"Drawings illustrative of the Report of Lieut. J. H. Simpson, Corps Topl. Engrs. upon the route pursued by the troops under the command of Bvt. Lieut. Col. Jno. M. Washington, Governor of New Mexico; in the expedition against the Navajo Indians, 1849" -- on cover title, hand written in ink on brown paper.

"Drawings, illustrative of Lieut. J. H. Simpson's Report a Reconnaissance from Santa Fe N. M. to the Navajo Country in 1849" -- on a second rectangular piece, hand written in black ink on brown paper

"Presented by Francis J. Duffy 1432 S. 9th St. 12,13/98" -- presentation plate.

1View of the Placer or Gold Mountain and Sandia Mountain from Santa Fe / drawn by R. H. Kern from a sketch by E. M. Kern, [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper with embossed lozenge pattern on verso.

3Pueblo of Jémez: from the east / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy laid paper.

4*Hos-Ta, (the Lightning): governor of the pueblo of Jémez / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 19 x 12 cm.

On medium weight paper.

5*Whar-Te, (the Industrious Woman): wife of the governor of Jémez / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20th [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 18 x 11 cm.

On medium weight paper.

6 OSKern, Edward Meyer, 1823-1863. You-Pel-Lay, or the Green Corn Dance of the Jémez Indians, / E. M. Kern delt., Aug. 19 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 13 x 24 cm.

On medium weight paper.

7*Copies of paintings upon the walls of an estufa at Jémez. No. 1 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

7. Recto

Right edge includes indecipherable pencilled text in an unidentified hand.

7. Verso

On medium weight paper.

8Copies of paintings upon the walls of an estufa at Jémez. No. 2 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

8. Recto

8. Verso

On medium weight paper with gilt printing on verso.

9Copies of paintings upon the walls of an estufa at Jémez. No. 3 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

9. Recto

9. Verso

On medium weight paper with gilt printing on verso.

10Copies of paintings upon the walls of an estufa at Jémez. No. 4 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

10. Recto

10. Verso

On medium weight paper with gilt printing on verso.

11Copies of paintings upon the walls of an estufa at Jémez. No. 5 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 20 [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

11. Recto

11. Verso

On medium weight paper with gilt printing on verso.

12Wash-U-Hos-Te (Big White Bead): a Pecos Indian, [1849]. 1 drawing : pen and ink on paper ; sheet 21 x 13 cm.

Unsigned.

On smooth, light weight paper.

13Ow-Te-Wa (Captain): ex governor of Santa Ana / drawn by E. M. Kern from a sketch by R. H. Kern, [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; sheet 21 x 13 cm.

On medium weight paper.

14The Ojo Caliente twelve miles above Jémez / drawn by R. H. Kern from a sketch by E. M. Kern, [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

15Ruins of a Roman Catholic church near the Ojo Caliente, twelve miles above Jémez / drawn by R. H. Kern from a sketch by E. M. Kern, [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

16North wall of the Cañon de la Copa (Canyon of the Cup) / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 24th [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

17Cerro de la Cabeza in the valley of the Rio Puerco, view taken three miles west of camp 6 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 25th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper with textured diagonal lines on recto.

18Elevation and cross section of a petrified stump of a tree found upright, in place between camps no. 7 and 8 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 26 [1849]. 1 drawing : watercolor on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

18. Recto

Below image, center includes text: "Height, 3 ft. Diameter, 2 ½ ft."

18. Verso

On medium weight paper.

19View of a petrified stump of a tree found lying split open as exhibited in the drawing / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 26 [1849]. 1 drawing : watercolor on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

Below image, center includes text: "Locality between camps no. 7 and 8. / Length, 4 ft. Diameter, in its integrity 2 ½ ft."

On medium weight paper.

20*North west view of the ruins of the pueblo Pintado in the valley of the Rio Chaco: no. 1 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 26 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

22Pottery found at the pueblo Pintado / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and color wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On smooth, light weight paper.

23Hieroglyphics on a sand stone boulder near camp 9 / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On medium weight paper.

24Hieroglyphics on a sand stone boulder near camp 9 / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink and watercolor on paper ; 19 x 11 cm.

24. Recto

24. Verso

On medium weight paper.

25Kern, Edward Meyer, 1823-1863. Hieroglyphics on sand stone rocks near camp 9 / E. M. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and brown wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On medium weight paper.

26*South east view of the ruins of the pueblo Weje-Gi in the cañon of Chaco. No. 2 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 27 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

27Ground plan of the pueblo Weje-Gi. Cañon de Chaco. No. 2, [1849]. 1 drawing : pen and ink on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Unsigned.

On smooth, light weight paper.

28*Ruins of the pueblo Una Vida, with the mésa Facháda in the distance: cañon of Chaco / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 28 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Above image, upper right includes pencilled text in an unidentified hand: "Senate Ex. Doc."

On heavy weight laid paper.

29Ground plan of the pueblo Una Vida. Cañon de Chaco. No. 3, [1849]. 1 drawing : pen and ink on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Unsigned.

On smooth, light weight paper.

31*Restoration of the pueblo Hungo Pavie (Crooked Nose): cañon of Chaco / R. H. Kern invt. et pinxt., [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Above image, upper right includes pencilled text in an unidentified hand: Senate Ex. Doc 1rst sess. 31st cong. no. 64".

Recto includes text in brown ink (Italian?).

On medium weight paper.

32Pottery found at the pueblo Hungo Pavie / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : watercolor on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On smooth, light weight paper.

33Ground plan of the pueblo Chetho Kette (the Rain): Cañon de Chaco. No. 5, [1849]. 1 drawing : pen and ink on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Image includes text: "In such a state of ruin as to be undistinguishable".

Unsigned.

On smooth, light weight paper.

34*Interior of a room in the north range of the pueblo Chetho-Kette (the Rain). No. 5 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 28th, [1849]. 1 drawing : brown, b & w wash on paper ; image 10 x 16 cm.

On heavy weight paper.

35Hieroglyphics on north wall of the cañon of Chaco near ruins of the pueblo Chetho Kette / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pencil, pen, ink, and brown wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On heavy weight paper.

36*Distant view of the ruins of the pueblo Bonito and adjoining rocks, in the cañon of Chaco. No. 6 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 28 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

37General ground plan of the pueblo Bonito, Cañon of Chaco, circuit about 1300 feet. No. 6, [1849]. 1 drawing : pen and ink on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Unsigned.

On smooth, light weight paper.

38 OSInterior of a room in the north range of the peublo Bonito. No. 6 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. 28th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 10 x 12 cm.

On medium weight paper.

40Pottery found at the pueblo Bonito / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and b & w wash on paper ; 19 x 11 cm.

On smooth, light weight paper.

41 OSMasonry of the Chaco and other ruins, [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink and brown wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

Unsigned.

On medium weight paper.

42Natural sand stone formations, Aug. 29th [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

Below image date, center includes text: "about six miles east of camp 11."

Unsigned.

On heavy weight, laid paper.

43Peaks of los Ojos Calientes as seen between camps 11 and 12 / R. H. Kern delt., Aug. [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

44Narbona: head chief of the Navajos / drawn by E. M. Kern from a sketch by R. H. Kern, Aug. 31 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; sheet 21 x 13 cm.

On medium weight paper.

45Pass washington, Tune-Cha Mountains / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 2nd [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 13 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight, laid paper.

46The Cieneguilla Chiquita from the west face of the Tune-Cha Mountains,/ R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 3rd [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

Original title read: "The Sieneguilla Chicita", but was crossed out with above title written in pencil.

On heavy weight, laid paper.

47Trap dyke, between camps 16 and 17 / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight, laid paper.

48*) View of the cañon of Chelly near its head, five miles south west of camp 17 / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 5 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 13 x 20 cm.

On heavy weight, laid paper.

49Mariano Martinez, chief of the Navajo Indians / drawn by E. M. Kern from a sketch by R. H. Kern, Sept. 8th, [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; sheet 21 x 13 cm.

On medium weight paper.

50Chapaton, chief of the S[an] Juan Navajos / drawn by E. M. Kern from a sketch by R. H. Kern, Sept. 8th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; sheet 21 x 13 cm.

On medium weight paper.

51Kern, Edward Meyer, 1823-1863. Che-Ki-Wat-Te-Wa (Yellow Wolf): a Moqui / E. M. Kern delt., Sept. 8th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; sheet 21 x 13 cm.

On medium weight paper.

52*Navajo costume, [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; 19 x 11 cm.

Unsigned.

On medium weight paper with embossed lozenge pattern on verso.

53*Ruins of an old pueblo in the cañon of Chelly / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 8th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On medium weight paper, with embossed diagonal lines on verso.

54Pottery found at the pueblo, in the cañon of Chelly / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and color wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On smooth, light weight paper.

55*) Cañon of Chelly; eight miles above the mouth / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 8th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 19 x 12 cm.

On heavy weight paper.

56Natural sand stone formation, near camp 21 / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 11 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 18 x 12 cm.

On medium weight paper with diagonal rib on recto.

57Trap dyke and sand stone formations between camps 21 and 22 / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 12 [1849]. 1 drawing ; b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

58Natural sand stone formations near camp 23 / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 13th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

59*Pueblo of Zuñi / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 15 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper with diagonal rib on recto.

60North face of Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper with diagonal rib.

61*South face of Inscription Rock, / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

62*Spring at Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 painting : watercolor on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On heavy weight laid paper.

63Ground plan of a ruined pueblo on the summit of the Moro, or Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen and ink on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

Above image, upper left includes pencilled text in an unidentified hand: "Senate Ex. Doc. 1rst Sess. 31 Cong. No. 64".

On smooth, light weight paper.

64Pottery found at the pueblo on the summit of the Muro or Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and color wash on paper ; image 19 x 11 cm.

On smooth, light weight paper.

68Inscriptions on north face of Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and grey wash on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

69Inscriptions on south face of Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and grey wash on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

70Inscriptions on south face of Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17th [1849]. 1 drawing : grey wash on paper ; image 10 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

71Inscriptions on south face of Inscription Rock / drawn by R. H. Kern from copies made by Dr. Simpson U. S. A., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and wash, b & w on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper backed with linen.

72Hieroglyphics on south face of Inscription rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and grey wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

73Hieroglyphics on south face of Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and grey wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

74Inscriptions on south face of Inscription Rock / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 17 [1849]. 1 drawing : pen, ink, and grey wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper.

75Mount Taylor from the summit of the Zuñi Pass / R. H. Kern delt., Sept. 18th [1849]. 1 drawing : b & w wash on paper ; image 11 x 19 cm.

On medium weight paper with embossed lozenge pattern on verso.