Who painted Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy?

Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy was painted by George Catlin in 1865.

Where can I see Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy?

Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy?

Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy

George Catlin , 1865

Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Catlin. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saukie Warrior, His Wife, and a Boy is an 1865 oil painting on card mounted on paperboard, created by American artist George Catlin. The portrait depicts three figures from the Saukie tribe.

Subject & Meaning

The painting centers on a Saukie warrior, prominently positioned at the center, accompanied by his wife to the right and a boy to the left. The warrior's attire, including a feathered headdress, spear, and shield, signifies his status, while the boy's bow and arrow may symbolize his impending warrior role. The wife's portrayal in a long, pink robe adds a domestic element to the scene.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on card mounted on paperboard, the work exhibits a realistic style with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of clothing, accessories, and facial expressions.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1865 by George Catlin, a lawyer-turned-artist known for documenting Native American tribes, especially Plains Indians, through his artwork from five 1830s Western trips. The painting's specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

This piece reflects Catlin's broader effort to capture the lives and cultures of Native American tribes during a period of significant change and interaction with European-Americans.

Artist & collection

Artist

George Catlin

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.