George Catlin, Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk, 1832, oil on canvas, 29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.3
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Náh-se-ús-kuk, Whirling Thunder, Eldest Son of Black Hawk
- Artist
- Date
- 1832
- Location
- Dimensions
- 29 x 24 in. (73.7 x 60.9 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
- Mediums
- Mediums Description
- oil on canvas
- Classifications
- Subjects
- Portrait male — Whirling Thunder — bust
- Portrait male — Whirling Thunder
- Indian — Sauk and Fox
- Dress — Indian dress
- Object Number
- 1985.66.3
Artwork Description
This painting shows the eldest son of Black Hawk, Náh-se-ús-kuk (the Whirling Thunder). He was, according to George Catlin, a “very handsome young warrior, and one of the finest-looking Indians I ever saw. There is a strong party in the tribe [Sac and Fox] that is anxious to put this young man up; and I think it more than likely, that Kee-o-kuk as chief may fall ere long by his hand, or by some of the tribe, who are anxious to reinstate the family of Black Hawk.” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 2, no. 56, 1841; reprint 1973)
Works by this artist (5 items)
Artist
Date1976
coated paper, masking tape, analine dyes, waterproof inks, and polymer glue on board
