Wún-nes-tou, White Buffalo, an Aged Medicine Man

George Catlin, Wún-nes-tou, White Buffalo, an Aged Medicine Man, 1832, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.158
Copied George Catlin, Wún-nes-tou, White Buffalo, an Aged Medicine Man, 1832, oil on canvas, 29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.158
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Artwork Details

Title
Wún-nes-tou, White Buffalo, an Aged Medicine Man
Artist
Date
1832
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Portrait male — White Buffalo
  • Portrait male — White Buffalo — full length
  • Indian — Blackfoot
  • Dress — Indian dress
Object Number
1985.66.158
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.158

Artwork Description

“I have also transferred to my canvas the ‘looks and very resemblance’ of an aged chief, who combines with his high office, the envied title of mystery or medicine-man, i.e. doctor-magician-prophet-soothsayer-jongleur- and high priest, all combined in one person, who necessarily is looked upon as ‘Sir Oracle’ of the nation . . . on his left arm he presents his mystery-drum or tambour, in which are concealed the hidden and sacred mysteries of his healing art.” George Catlin painted this portrait at Fort Union in the upper Midwest in 1832. (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 1, no. 5, 1841; reprint 1973)