Foot War Party in Council, Mandan

George Catlin, Foot War Party in Council, Mandan, 1835-1837, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.458
Copied George Catlin, Foot War Party in Council, Mandan, 1835-1837, oil on canvas, 19 5827 58 in. (49.770.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.458
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Artwork Details

Title
Foot War Party in Council, Mandan
Date
1835-1837
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 5827 58 in. (49.770.1 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Indian — Mandan
  • Western
  • Figure group — male
  • Ceremony — Indian — War Council
Object Number
1985.66.458

Artwork Description

“This party was made up of the most distinguished and desperate young men of the tribe, who had sallied out against the [Arikara/Sahnish], and taken the most solemn oath amongst themselves never to return without achieving a victory. They had wandered long and faithfully about the country, following the trails of their enemy; when they were attacked by a numerous party, and lost several of their men and all their horses . . . In this plight, it seems, I had dropped my little canoe alongside of them . . . Seated on their buffalo robes, which were spread upon the grass, with their respective weapons laying about them, and lighting their pipes at a little fire which was kindled in the centre---the chief or leader of the party, with his arms stacked behind him, and his long head-dress of war-eagles' quills and ermine falling down over his back, whilst he sat in a contemplative and almost desponding mood, was surely one of the most striking and beautiful illustrations of a natural hero that I ever looked upon.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 1, no. 20, 1841; reprint 1973)