Father Hennepin and guides at St. Anthony Falls

More about Father Hennepin and guides at St. Anthony Falls

An oil painting depicts a monk in a brown robe holding a cross towards a vast waterfall, while a group of Native Americans stand beside him. The monk stands on a rocky bank to the left, facing right, with his right arm extended upwards, holding a wooden cross. He holds a book in his left hand. Behind him, two Native American men stand, one holding a spear with red and white feathers, the other holding a spear. They wear traditional attire with beaded details and feathers in their headbands. To the right of the monk, two more Native American men gaze towards the waterfall, one pointing with his right hand. They also wear traditional clothing and feathered headbands, with a paddle tucked into their belts. In front of them, a wooden canoe floats in the calm water, laden with supplies including rolled blankets, pouches, and barrels.

The background is dominated by a wide, powerful waterfall cascading into a misty river, filling the center of the painting. The sky above is dramatic, with dark, cloudy formations in the upper left giving way to golden light in the upper right, hinting at dawn or dusk. The river water reflects the golden light. Lush green and autumnal trees line both sides of the river, with denser forests stretching into