The present work is based on a photograph of the legendary Sioux warrior Sitting Bull (1831–1890). Rendered in Warhol’s signature Pop palette, the heroic Native American leader proudly confronts the viewer in this commanding portrait. Sitting Bull was originally printed for Warhol's iconic 1986 portfolio Cowboys and Indians and relates to Sitting Bull from the trail proof prints, but it was not included in the final version. Cowboys and Indians was Warhol’s first ever portfolio to depict both portraits and objects as primary subjects. The works were based on archival images, postcards and photographs of the American West and Native American artifacts and includes figures such as John Wayne, Annie Oakley and Geronimo.