I‑an-be-w’ah-dick, Male Caribou, a Brave

George Catlin, I-an-be-w'ah-dick, Male Caribou, a Brave, 1836, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.194
Copied George Catlin, I-an-be-w'ah-dick, Male Caribou, a Brave, 1836, oil on canvas, 29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.194
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Artwork Details

Title
I‑an-be-w’ah-dick, Male Caribou, a Brave
Artist
Date
1836
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — weapon — club
  • Portrait male — Male Caribou — bust
  • Indian — Ojibwa
  • Dress — Indian dress
Object Number
1985.66.194
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.194

Artwork Description

George Catlin described Male Caribou, a member of the Ojibwe/Chippewa tribe, as “a brave, with a war-club in his hand.” This portrait was painted from life at Sault Ste. Marie, located between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, during Catlin’s only visit there in 1836. Despite the obvious interest Catlin took in rendering the decorated shirt, war club, and feathered turban-style headdress, this warrior’s direct gaze is what holds our attention. Catlin’s portraits show the Plains Indians as individuals with distinct personalities. (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)