Tál-lee, a Warrior of Distinction

George Catlin, Tál-lee, a Warrior of Distinction, 1834, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.32
George Catlin, Tál-lee, a Warrior of Distinction, 1834, oil on canvas, 2924 in. (73.760.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.32
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Artwork Details

Title
Tál-lee, a Warrior of Distinction
Date
1834
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
Subjects
  • Dress — accessory — shield
  • Object — weapon — spear
  • Portrait male — Tal Lee — full length
  • Indian — Sauk and Fox
  • Dress — Indian dress
Object Number
1985.66.32

Artwork Description

“Amongst the many brave and distinguished warriors of the tribe, one of the most noted and respected is Tal-lee, painted at full length, with his lance in his hand---his shield on his arm, and his bow and quiver slung upon his back. In this portrait, there is a fair specimen of the Osage figure and dress, as well as of the facial outline, and shape and character of the head, and mode of dressing and ornamenting it with helmet-crest, and the eagle's quill.” George Catlin painted the warrior at Fort Gibson (in present-day Oklahoma) in 1834. (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 38, 1841; reprint 1973)

Works by this artist (625 items)

George Catlin, Portrait of a Woman, ca. 1825-1830, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. David C. Morse, 1984.139.1
Portrait of a Woman
Dateca. 1825-1830
oil on canvas
On view
George Catlin, A-wun-ne-wa-be, Bird of Thunder, 1845, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.536
A‑wun-ne-wa-be, Bird of Thunder
Date1845
oil on canvas
On view

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