George Catlin, Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume, 1840-1841, oil on canvas, 50 1⁄8 x 40 in. (127.3 x 101.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.386,324
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume
- Artist
- Date
- 1840-1841
- Location
- Dimensions
- 50 1⁄8 x 40 in. (127.3 x 101.7 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Portrait male — Catlin, Theodore Burr
- Dress — Indian dress
- Object Number
- 1985.66.386,324
Artwork Description
George Catlin finished his travels through the American West in 1836, and by December 1839 had set sail for England. He planned to exhibit the Indian Gallery in hopes of attracting a wealthy buyer for his collection, and his works appeared in London’s Egyptian Hall in 1840. Over time, he expanded the gallery to include actors, who wore costumes from Catlin’s own collection and performed tableaux vivants---staged reenactments of Indian songs, dances, and war scenes. This portrait shows Catlin’s nephew Theodore Burr Catlin dressed for a performance.
