Artwork
Three Shoshonee Warriors
Three Shoshonee Warriors is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Catlin. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1861, the work presents three Shoshone warriors positioned in an open setting.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1861, the work presents three Shoshone warriors positioned in an open setting.
Created in 1861, the work presents three Shoshone warriors positioned in an open setting. Two figures stand erect, each adorned with elaborate feathered headpieces and long robes, while a third figure kneels, his attire mirroring the others but with a distinct headdress. The composition is rendered in oil on a card that has been mounted on paperboard, and the background consists of a muted, flat landscape punctuated by sparse trees.
Subject & Meaning
The three figures embody a portraiture approach that emphasizes individual presence within a tribal context. Their regalia—feathered crowns, beaded ornaments, and patterned garments—signals status and cultural identity. The inclusion of a spear, a bundled object, and a small red item at the kneeling man's belt suggests aspects of martial readiness, personal belongings, and possibly ritual significance, offering a glimpse into Shoshone warrior attire and symbolism.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting employs a relatively flat tonal field for the background, allowing the richly detailed costumes to dominate the visual field. Brushwork is precise in rendering feather arrangements and beadwork, while the overall composition remains straightforward, reflecting Catlin’s documentary intent rather than dramatic narrative. The mounting on paperboard provides a stable support for the delicate card surface.
History & Provenance
The piece originates from the fifth of George Catlin’s western expeditions, undertaken during the 1830s, though the painting itself was completed in 1861. Catlin, a lawyer‑turned artist, devoted much of his career to recording Plains Indian peoples through both visual and written means. This work forms part of his extensive series of portraits intended to preserve the appearance and customs of Native American groups encountered during his travels.
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.
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