Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume

George Catlin, Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume, 1840-1841, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.386,324
Copied George Catlin, Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume, 1840-1841, oil on canvas, 50 1⁄8 x 40 in. (127.3 x 101.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.386,324
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume
Artist
Date
1840-1841
Location
Dimensions
50 1⁄8 x 40 in. (127.3 x 101.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Portrait male — Catlin, Theodore Burr
Object Number
1985.66.386,324
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.386,324

Artwork Description

George Catlin finished his travels through the American West in 1836, and by December 1839 had set sail for England. He planned to exhibit the Indian Gallery in hopes of attracting a wealthy buyer for his collection, and his works appeared in London’s Egyptian Hall in 1840. Over time, he expanded the gallery to include actors, who wore costumes from Catlin’s own collection and performed tableaux vivants---staged reenactments of Indian songs, dances, and war scenes. This portrait shows Catlin’s nephew Theodore Burr Catlin dressed for a performance.