The portrait depicts British Indian Department officer Guy Johnson and Mohawk chief David Hill.

Johnson was the superintendent of the northern colonies of British North America and commissioned the portrait in 1776 while in London to secure that appointment.

The alliance between Britain and several Indian tribes seriously threatened the rebel colonists' chances of victory during the American Revolutionary War.

Karonghyontye is shown pointing to a peace pipe, while Johnson grasps a musket.

The concept of cooperation extends to the background, where an Indian family gathers peacefully before a British military tent.