Catlin and His Men in Their Canoe, Urgently Solicited to Come Ashore, Upper Missouri

George Catlin, Catlin and His Men in Their Canoe, Urgently Solicited to Come Ashore, Upper Missouri, 1846-1848, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.585
Copied George Catlin, Catlin and His Men in Their Canoe, Urgently Solicited to Come Ashore, Upper Missouri, 1846-1848, oil on canvas, 19 1⁄4 x 26 5⁄8 in. (48.9 x 67.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.585
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Catlin and His Men in Their Canoe, Urgently Solicited to Come Ashore, Upper Missouri
Artist
Date
1846-1848
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 1⁄4 x 26 5⁄8 in. (48.9 x 67.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group — male
  • Western
  • Indian
  • Travel — water — canoe
  • Portrait male — Catlin, George — self-portrait
  • Landscape — river — Missouri River
Object Number
1985.66.585
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.585

Artwork Description

The prairies of the 1830s were a paradise for animal predators as well as enthusiastic huntsmen. Eagles, wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears were among the beasts hunting the abundant antelope, elk, and buffalo. George Catlin described many encounters between predators and prey, but could only make quick sketches of these incidents as they unfolded, in hopes of capturing the excitement in more finished studio works.