George Catlin Painting the American West

George Catlin was an American artist. He was born in Pennsylvania in Before becoming a painter, Catlin was a lawyer. George Catlin George Catlin by William Fisk, 1849

After seeing a group of Plains Indians in Philadelphia, he decided to dedicate his life to recording the lives and customs of Native Americans.

He traveled throughout North America in the 1830s, and South America in the 1950s, painting hundreds of Indians and keeping detailed records of his journeys. Shon-ta-yi-ga, Little Wolf, a Famous Warrior, 1844

Catlin painted western landscapes and native customs and rituals during his journey of the American West. Floyd's Grave, Where Lewis and Clark Buried Sergeant Floyd in 1804, 1832 Scalp Dance, Sioux, 1845–48

Catlin was most famous for his Indian portraits. He painted hundreds of portraits of Indians throughout his painting career. Ud-je-jock, Pelican, a Boy, 1831 Os-ce-o-lá, the Black Drink, a Warrior of Great Distinction, 1838

Catlin took his art and Indian artifacts on tour to cities the East coast and Europe. He also hired several groups of Indians to perform ritual dances and ceremonies. These lectures and tours were very popular. Iowa Indians Who Visited London and Paris, 1861/1869,

Catlin’s Subjects Ha-na-tó-nu-maúk, Wolf Chief, Head Chief of the Tribe 1832

Native Americans often had descriptive names that told others about them. Sometimes the names were based on visionary experiences or dreams--other times they were given to individuals by family members or religious figures. These names emphasized the special qualities or skills of the individual. The White Cloud, Head Chief of the Iowas, 1844/1845,

Another way Indians expressed themselves and showed others what they were good at was to decorate their face. The White Cloud has a green hand painted on his cheek because he was very good at hand-to-hand fighting.

This Indians name was Buffalo Bull, this is shown by the bull head painted on his face and his chest. La-dóo-ke-a, Buffalo Bull, a Grand Pawnee Warrior, 1832

Now it’s your turn You are going to create a portrait of a Native American. You will create a name and symbols to represent your Indians. The name and symbols will be based on your special abilities.

What Would Your Name Be? If you were going to be given a special name, what would it be? Think of an activity that you enjoy, or a special skill. Are you very good at running, swimming, skating, or playing ball?

Now think of an animal you like. Put the two words together to make a name like Running-Fox or Skating-Dog. Your name helps others immediately recognize your special qualities and abilities. What Would Your Name Be?

Think about the first word in your new name. What design could you paint on your cheek to show that you are good at that special activity? Or you might want to add a mark that reminds you of the special animal you chose. What Will Your Symbol Be?

If you're good at swimming, for instance, a wave for water might be a good choice. A foot would show you're a runner. Or you might want to add a mark that reminds you of the special animal you chose. What Will Your Symbol Be?

Bibliography National Gallery of Art Website: Wikipedi: Smithsonian American Art Museum: