Wash-ím-pe-shee, Madman, a Distinguished Warrior

George Catlin, Wash-ím-pe-shee, Madman, a Distinguished Warrior, 1834, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.42
Copied George Catlin, Wash-ím-pe-shee, Madman, a Distinguished Warrior, 1834, oil on canvas, 2924 in. (73.760.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.42
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Artwork Details

Title
Wash-ím-pe-shee, Madman, a Distinguished Warrior
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
Keywords
  • Indian
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Indian — Osage
  • Portrait male — Madman
  • Portrait male — Madman — full length
Object Number
1985.66.42

Artwork Description

“The Osages have been formerly, and until quite recently, a powerful and warlike tribe: carrying their arms fearlessly through all of these realms; and ready to cope with foes of any kind that they were liable to meet. At present, the case is quite different; they have been repeatedly moved and jostled along, from the head waters of the White river, and even from the shores of the Mississippi, to where they now are; and reduced by every war and every move.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 38, 1841; reprint 1973)