Wée-sheet, Sturgeon’s Head, a Fox Warrior

George Catlin, Wée-sheet, Sturgeon's Head, a Fox Warrior, 1832, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.18
Copied George Catlin, Wée-sheet, Sturgeon's Head, a Fox Warrior, 1832, oil on canvas, 2924 in. (73.760.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.18
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Artwork Details

Title
Wée-sheet, Sturgeon’s Head, a Fox Warrior
Date
1832
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
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Indian — Sauk and Fox
  • Portrait male — Sturgeon’s Warrior — bust
  • Object — weapon — sword
Object Number
1985.66.18

Artwork Description

“The Sacs and Foxes, who were once two separate tribes, but with a language very similar, have, at some period not very remote, united into one, and are now an inseparable people, and go by the familiar appellation of the amalgam name of ‘Sacs and Foxes’ . . . These people have sold so much of their land lately, that they have the luxuries of life to a considerable degree, and may be considered rich; consequently they look elated and happy, carrying themselves much above the humbled manner of most of the semi-civilized tribes, whose heads are hanging and drooping in poverty and despair.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 56, 1841; reprint 1973)