Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk

George Catlin, Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk, 1832, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.3
Copied George Catlin, Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk, 1832, oil on canvas, 29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.3
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Artwork Details

Title
Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk
Artist
Date
1832
Location
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
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Indian — Sauk and Fox
  • Portrait male — Whirling Thunder
  • Portrait male — Whirling Thunder — bust
Object Number
1985.66.3
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.3

Artwork Description

This painting shows the eldest son of Black Hawk, Náh-se-ús-kuk (the Whirling Thunder). He was, according to George Catlin, a “very handsome young warrior, and one of the finest-looking Indians I ever saw. There is a strong party in the tribe [Sac and Fox] that is anxious to put this young man up; and I think it more than likely, that Kee-o-kuk as chief may fall ere long by his hand, or by some of the tribe, who are anxious to reinstate the family of Black Hawk.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 56, 1841; reprint 1973)