Comanche War Party, Chief Discovering the Enemy and Urging his Men at Sunrise

George Catlin, Comanche War Party, Chief Discovering the Enemy and Urging his Men at Sunrise, 1834-1835, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.459
George Catlin, Comanche War Party, Chief Discovering the Enemy and Urging his Men at Sunrise, 1834-1835, 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., 1985.66.459
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Artwork Details

Title
Comanche War Party, Chief Discovering the Enemy and Urging his Men at Sunrise
Artist
Date
1834-1835
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
  • State of being — evil — war
  • Indian — Comanche
  • Animal — horse
  • Western
  • Figure group — male
Object Number
1985.66.459
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.459

Artwork Description

During the spring and summer of 1834, Catlin traveled with the United States cavalry on what the government called a peacemaking expedition. A regiment of dragoons was sent to foster trade and peace in the lands of the Comanche, Kiowa, and Wichita in present-day Oklahoma. George Catlin probably painted this work in his studio during the winter following the dragoon expedition.

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Date1922
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