Comanche Giving Arrows to the Medicine Rock

George Catlin, Comanche Giving Arrows to the Medicine Rock, 1837-1839, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.472
Copied George Catlin, Comanche Giving Arrows to the Medicine Rock, 1837-1839, 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., 1985.66.472
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Comanche Giving Arrows to the Medicine Rock
Artist
Date
1837-1839
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
  • Western
  • Indian — Comanche
  • Animal — horse
  • Figure group — male
  • Recreation — sport and play — archery
Object Number
1985.66.472
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.472

Artwork Description

“A curious superstition of the Camanchees: going to war, they have no faith in their success, unless they pass a celebrated painted rock, where they appease the spirit of war (who resides there), by riding by it at full gallop, and sacrificing their best arrow by throwing it against the side of the ledge.” (Catlin, 1848 Catalogue, Catlin’s Indian Gallery, SAAM online exhibition)