George Catlin, Sac and Fox Sailing in Canoes, 1837-1839, oil on canvas, 19 1⁄2 x 27 5⁄8 in. (49.6 x 70.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.479
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Sac and Fox Sailing in Canoes
- Artist
- Date
- 1837-1839
- Location
- Dimensions
- 19 1⁄2 x 27 5⁄8 in. (49.6 x 70.1 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Travel — water — canoe
- Western
- Landscape — river
- Figure group
- Architecture Exterior — domestic — teepee
- Indian — Sauk and Fox
- Object Number
- 1985.66.479
Artwork Description
“I was often amused at their freaks in their canoes, whilst travelling; and I was induced to make a sketch of one which I frequently witnessed, that of sailing with the aid of their blankets, which the men carry; and when the wind is fair, stand in the bow of the canoe and hold by two corners, with the other two under the foot or tied to the leg; while the women sit in the other end of the canoe, and steer it with their paddles.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 56, 1841; reprint 1973)
