Begging Dance, Sauk and Fox

George Catlin, Begging Dance, Sauk and Fox, 1835-1837, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.439
Copied George Catlin, Begging Dance, Sauk and Fox, 1835-1837, oil on canvas, 19 5⁄8 x 27 1⁄2 in. (49.7 x 70.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.439
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Begging Dance, Sauk and Fox
Artist
Date
1835-1837
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
19 5⁄8 x 27 1⁄2 in. (49.7 x 70.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Ceremony — Indian
  • Ceremony — dance — Begging Dance
  • Indian — Sauk and Fox
  • Figure group — male
Object Number
1985.66.439
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.439

Artwork Description

“The Begging Dance is a frequent amusement, and one that has been practiced with some considerable success at this time, whilst there have been so many distinguished and liberal visitors here. It is got up by a number of desperate and long-winded fellows, who will dance and yell their visitors into liberality; or, if necessary, laugh them into it, by their strange antics, singing a song of importunity, and extending their hands for presents, which they allege are to gladden the hearts of the poor, and ensure a blessing to the giver.” George Catlin initially sketched this scene at a Sac and Fox village in 1835. (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 56, 1841; reprint 1973)