Artwork
Prairie Meadows Burning
Prairie Meadows Burning is an oil painting by the Hudson River School artist George Catlin. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Prairie Meadows Burning, executed in 1865, is an oil painting on card that has been affixed to a paperboard support. The work portrays a prairie landscape engulfed in a rapidly spreading fire, with a herd of bison fleeing the blaze and a group of dogs in pursuit. The composition captures a moment of intense natural drama on the American frontier.
Subject & Meaning
The scene centers on a wildfire sweeping across tall grasses, its orange flames contrasting sharply with the dark silhouettes of two panicked bison. Nearby, three dogs—two dark‑colored and one lighter—chase after the animals, while several fallen figures lie motionless on the ground, suggesting the lethal force of the fire and the vulnerability of wildlife in the open plains.
Technique & Style
Catlin employs vigorous, swirling brushstrokes to convey the movement of the flames, while thick impasto layers give the fire a palpable heat and texture. The overall handling aligns with the Hudson River School’s emphasis on dramatic natural phenomena, yet the rapid, expressive application of paint reflects Catlin’s personal approach to depicting frontier scenes.
History & Provenance
George Catlin, a lawyer‑turned‑artist known for his extensive documentation of Native American life, created this work during a period of intense travel in the western United States. Although primarily celebrated for portraiture, Catlin produced landscapes such as this one, which reflects his firsthand observations of the western environment during the mid‑19th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Catlin ( KAT-lin; July 26, 1796 – December 23, 1872) was an American lawyer, painter, author, and traveler, who specialized in portraits of Native Americans in the American frontier.
Bulls Fighting
Expedition Encamped on a Texas Prairie. April 1686
An Alligator's Nest
Mrs. George Catlin (Clara Bartlet Gregory)
Chief of the Taensa Indians Receiving La Salle. March 20, 1682
A Small Village - Payaguas Indians
Omaha Chief, His Wife, and a Warrior
Father Hennepin Leaving the Mississippi to Join La Salle. May 8, 1680
