Shó-me-kós-see, The Wolf, a Chief

George Catlin, Shó-me-kós-see, The Wolf, a Chief, 1832, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.22
Copied George Catlin, Shó-me-kós-see, The Wolf, a Chief, 1832, oil on canvas, 2924 in. (73.760.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.22
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Artwork Details

Title
Shó-me-kós-see, The Wolf, a Chief
Date
1832
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2924 in. (73.760.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Dress — accessory — jewelry
  • Indian — Kansas
  • Portrait male — Wolf — bust
  • Occupation — other — chief
Object Number
1985.66.22

Artwork Description

George Catlin identified Shó-me-kós-see, The Wolf, as “a chief of some distinction, with a bold and manly outline of head; exhibiting, like most of this tribe, an European outline of features, signally worthy the notice of the enquiring world. The head of this chief was most curiously ornamented, and his neck bore a profusion of wampum strings.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 34, 1841; reprint 1973)