An Osage Indian Lancing a Buffalo

George Catlin, An Osage Indian Lancing a Buffalo, 1846-1848, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.567
Copied George Catlin, An Osage Indian Lancing a Buffalo, 1846-1848, 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., 1985.66.567
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
An Osage Indian Lancing a Buffalo
Artist
Date
1846-1848
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
  • Western
  • Occupation — hunter
  • Figure male — full length
  • Animal — buffalo
  • Indian — Osage
Object Number
1985.66.567
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.567

Artwork Description

George Catlin enjoyed and documented buffalo hunts with various tribes, describing methods such as the exhilarating but dangerous chase on horseback, the surround, and the ambush, in which hunters crept among the unsuspecting herds disguised under the skin of a white wolf for a close and easy shot. During the 1830s, many Indians still used the ambush, but the acquisition of the horse centuries before had transformed their hunting methods. The tribes could now hunt with less danger to themselves as well as greater hope of success.