George Catlin, An Osage Indian Lancing a Buffalo, 1846-1848, 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., 1985.66.567
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Artwork Details
- Title
- An Osage Indian Lancing a Buffalo
- Artist
- Date
- 1846-1848
- 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
- Occupation — hunter
- Figure male — full length
- Animal — buffalo
- Indian — Osage
- Western
- Object Number
- 1985.66.567
Artwork Description
George Catlin enjoyed and documented buffalo hunts with various tribes, describing methods such as the exhilarating but dangerous chase on horseback, the surround, and the ambush, in which hunters crept among the unsuspecting herds disguised under the skin of a white wolf for a close and easy shot. During the 1830s, many Indians still used the ambush, but the acquisition of the horse centuries before had transformed their hunting methods. The tribes could now hunt with less danger to themselves as well as greater hope of success.
