Mounted War Party Scouring a Thicket

George Catlin, Mounted War Party Scouring a Thicket, 1846-1848, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.586
Copied George Catlin, Mounted War Party Scouring a Thicket, 1846-1848, oil on canvas, 2027 14 in. (50.969.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.586
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Mounted War Party Scouring a Thicket
Date
1846-1848
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2027 14 in. (50.969.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on canvas
Classifications
Subjects
  • Indian — Comanche
  • State of being — evil — war
  • Equestrian
Object Number
1985.66.586

Artwork Description

George Catlin’s descriptions of Native Americans reveal his respect for the tribes and nations that he feared would soon vanish. “Every one of these red sons of the forest (or rather of the prairie) is a knight and lord . . . the only things which he deems worthy of his exertions are to mount his snorting steed, with his bow and quiver slung, his arrow-shield upon his arm, and his long lance glistening in the war-parade . . .” (Catlin, Letters and Notes, vol. 1, no. 4, 1841; reprint 1973)