George CatlinAmerican, 1796–1872May one see it?
Washington, D.C., United States
The owner is known. Whether it is on view today, the museum does not say, and we were not trained to guess.
“Each warrior, in turn, jumps through the fire, and then advances shouting and boasting, and taking his oath, as he ‘strikes the reddened post.’” George Catlin probably sketched the scene near Fort Pierre in 1832, then created this painting in his studio several years later. (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)
Smithsonian American Art Museum
1844
Catlin’s North American Indian Portfolio
He publishes a portfolio of 25 plates with hunting scenes of the West.
1845
Death of his wife Clara and a son in Paris
In Paris his wife Clara, whom he had married in 1828 and who had accompanied him on one of his journeys west, dies of consumption, as does their youngest son. The remaining children are taken in by his wife’s relatives.
1845
Moves to Paris
He moves with his family from England to Paris.
1848
Notes on eight years in Europe
He publishes Notes of Eight Years’ Travels and Residence in Europe.