War Dance, Sioux

George Catlin, War Dance, Sioux, 1845-1848, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.457B
Copied George Catlin, War Dance, Sioux, 1845-1848, oil on canvas, 26 1⁄8 x 32 1⁄2 in. (66.3 x 82.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.457B
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
War Dance, Sioux
Artist
Date
1845-1848
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
26 1⁄8 x 32 1⁄2 in. (66.3 x 82.6 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Ceremony — Indian
  • Indian
  • Ceremony — dance — War Dance
  • Figure group — male
Object Number
1985.66.457B
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.457B

Artwork Description

“Each warrior, in turn, jumps through the fire, and then advances shouting and boasting, and taking his oath, as he ‘strikes the reddened post.’” George Catlin probably sketched the scene near Fort Pierre in 1832, then created this painting in his studio several years later. (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)