Footrace behind the Mandan Village

George Catlin, Footrace behind the Mandan Village, 1832-1833, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.433
Copied George Catlin, Footrace behind the Mandan Village, 1832-1833, oil on canvas, 19 5⁄8 x 27 1⁄2 in. (49.7 x 70.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.433
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Footrace behind the Mandan Village
Artist
Date
1832-1833
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 5⁄8 x 27 1⁄2 in. (49.7 x 70.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Recreation — sport and play — racing
  • Indian — Mandan
  • Western
  • Figure group
Object Number
1985.66.433
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.433

Artwork Description

“The Mandans (or See-pohs-kah-nu-mah-kah-kee, ‘people of the pheasants,’ as they call themselves), are perhaps one of the most ancient tribes of Indians in our country. Their origin, like that of all the other tribes is from necessity, involved in mystery and obscurity . . . This tribe is at present located on the west bank of the Missouri, about 1800 miles above St. Louis, and 200 below the Mouth of Yellow Stone river. They have two villages only, which are about two miles distant from each other; and number in all (as near as I can learn), about 2000 souls. Their present villages are beautifully located, and judiciously also, for defence against the assaults of their enemies.” George Catlin sketched this scene at a Mandan village in 1832. (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 1, no. 11, 1841; reprint 1973)