Portraits of Two Grizzly Bears, From Life

George Catlin, Portraits of Two Grizzly Bears, From Life, 1839-1840, oil on canvas, 20 x 27 ³⁄₈ in. (50.8 x 69.4 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.386,502

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Artwork Details

Title: Portraits of Two Grizzly Bears, From Life
Artist: George Catlin
Date: 1839-1840
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 20 x 27 ³⁄₈ in. (50.8 x 69.4 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums: oil
Mediums Description: oil on canvas
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Animal — bear
Object Number: 1985.66.386,502
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.386,502

Artwork Description

The prairies of the 1830s were a paradise for animal predators as well as enthusiastic huntsmen. Eagles, wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears were among the beasts hunting the abundant antelope, elk, and buffalo. George Catlin described many encounters between predators and prey, but could only make quick sketches of these incidents as they unfolded, in hopes of capturing the excitement in more finished studio works.