Sioux Worshiping at the Red Boulders

George Catlin, Sioux Worshiping at the Red Boulders, 1837-1839, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.470
Copied George Catlin, Sioux Worshiping at the Red Boulders, 1837-1839, 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., 1985.66.470
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Sioux Worshiping at the Red Boulders
Artist
Date
1837-1839
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
  • Ceremony — religion
  • Western
  • Ceremony — Indian
  • Indian — Dakota
  • Indian — Sioux
  • Figure group
Object Number
1985.66.470
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.470

Artwork Description

“A large boulder and two small ones, bearing some resemblance to a buffalo cow and two calves, painted red by the Indians, and regarded by them with superstitious reverence, near the ‘Coteau des Prairies.’” George Catlin probably sketched this scene on his journey to the Pipestone Quarry (in today’s Minnesota) in 1836. (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)