George CatlinEstados Unidos, 1796–1872¿Se puede contemplar?
Washington D. C., Estados Unidos
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“There are, by a fair calculation, more than 300,000 Indians, who are now subsisted on the flesh of the buffaloes, and by those animals supplied with all the luxuries of life which they desire, as they know of none others. The great variety of uses to which they convert the body and other parts of that animal, are almost incredible to the person who has not actually dwelt amongst these people, and closely studied their modes and customs. Every part of their flesh is converted into food, in one shape or another, and on it they entirely subsist. The robes of the animals are worn by the Indians instead of blankets---their skins when tanned, are used as coverings for their lodges, and for their beds; undressed, they are used for constructing canoes---for saddles, for bridles---l'arrêts, lasos, and thongs.
The horns are shaped into ladles and spoons---the brains are used for dressing the skins---their bones are used for saddle trees---for war clubs, and scrapers for graining the robes---and others are broken up for the marrow-fat which is contained in them. Their sinews are used for strings and backs to their bows---for thread to string their beads and sew their dresses. The feet of the animals are boiled, with their hoofs, for the glue they contain, for fastening their arrow points, and many other uses. The hair from the head and shoulders, which is long, is twisted and braided into halters, and the tail is used for a fly brush.” George Catlin completed this work in Paris between 1846 and 1848. (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 1, no. 31, 1841; reprint 1973)
Museo Smithsoniano de Arte Americano
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.