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
George Catlin, Wún-nes-tou, White Buffalo, an Aged Medicine Man, 1832, oil on canvas, 2924 in. (73.760.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.158
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Wún-nes-tou, White Buffalo, an Aged Medicine Man
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
Subjects
  • Indian — Blackfoot
  • Portrait male — White Buffalo
  • Dress — Indian dress
  • Portrait male — White Buffalo — full length
Object Number
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)

Works by this artist (62 items)

Terry Evans, Smoky Hill Bombing Range Target, Tires, 1990, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1992.7.2, © 1990, Terry Evans
Smoky Hill Bombing Range Target, Tires
Date1990
gelatin silver print
Not on view
Solomon River Oxbow
Date1990
gelatin silver print
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