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 1840 in. (127.3101.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.386,324
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Artwork Details

Title
Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume
Date
1840-1841
Dimensions
50 1840 in. (127.3101.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Keywords
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Portrait male — Catlin, Theodore Burr
Object Number
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.