Weapons and Physiognomy of the Grizzly Bear

George Catlin, Weapons and Physiognomy of the Grizzly Bear, 1846-1848, oil on canvas, 26 ⁵⁄₈ x 32 ⁵⁄₈ in. (67.5 x 82.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.563

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Artwork Details

Title: Weapons and Physiognomy of the Grizzly Bear
Artist: George Catlin
Date: 1846-1848
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 26 ⁵⁄₈ x 32 ⁵⁄₈ in. (67.5 x 82.8 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums: oil
Mediums Description: oil on canvas
Classifications: Painting
Subjects: Animal — bear
Object Number: 1985.66.563
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.563

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. Catlin disapproved of white settlers’ encroaching on Indian lands, yet he continued to describe and paint scenes that were calculated to appeal to Euro-American sportsmen, enticing them westward for the thrilling hunts he described.