In Portrait of He-U-Ke-La (1902), DeCost Smith trades subtlety for sheer presence. With heavy, deliberate brushstrokes and a bold palette of ochres, reds, and blacks, the artist captures not just the likeness but the force of character of the Indigenous people. He-U-Ke-La’s gaze is unflinching—neither confrontational nor passive, but resolute. The red-feathered headdress and crimson fabric details pop against the textured golden background, evoking the honor and endurance of Plains leadership at a time when Native identity was under assault. This isn’t just a portrait—it’s a declaration.