Grizzly Bears Attacking Indians on Horseback

George Catlin, Grizzly Bears Attacking Indians on Horseback, 1832-1833, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.418
George Catlin, Grizzly Bears Attacking Indians on Horseback, 1832-1833, oil on canvas, 24 x 29 in. (60.9 x 73.7 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.418
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Grizzly Bears Attacking Indians on Horseback
Artist
Date
1832-1833
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
24 x 29 in. (60.9 x 73.7 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • State of being — evil — danger
  • Occupation — hunter
  • Indian
  • Animal — horse
  • Animal — bear
  • Figure group — male
Object Number
1985.66.418
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1985.66.418

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. This work was painted in the artist's studio during the winter of 1832-33.

Works by this artist (744 items)

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William Zorach, Mother and Child (Dike and Eirene), 1918, plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.171
Mother and Child (Dike and Eirene)
Artist
Date1918
plaster
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William Zorach, Head of Eudora, ca. 1960, cast and painted plaster on wood base, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift from the collection of the Zorach children, 1976.145.47
Head of Eudora
Artist
Dateca. 1960
cast and painted plaster on wood base
On view
William Zorach, Study for Head of Moses, ca. 1950, unfired ceramic, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.161
Study for Head of Moses
Artist
Dateca. 1950
unfired ceramic
On view
William Zorach, Mother and Child (study), ca. 1926, plaster, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Tessim Zorach and Dahlov Ipcar, 1968.154.153
Mother and Child (study)
Artist
Dateca. 1926
plaster
On view

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