Portraits of Two Grizzly Bears, From Life

George Catlin, Portraits of Two Grizzly Bears, From Life, 1839-1840, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.386,502
Copied 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
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Portraits of Two Grizzly Bears, From Life
Artist
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
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
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.