This is a painting of Native Americans participating in a ceremonial gathering. The painting depicts a group of people gathered outdoors on a grassy field, encircled by hills under a sky with scattered clouds. At the forefront stands a figure adorned in traditional attire, including a feathered headdress and garments with detailed patterning. The figure appears to be holding ceremonial objects and addressing or leading the assembly. Around this central figure, the people are positioned in various postures, seemingly listening or observing attentively. The scene is framed within an oval border, highlighting the central action while subtly incorporating a background structure that resembles an earthen or wooden lodge. The atmosphere is serene, with muted colors suggesting a peaceful observance. This is in the style of George Catlin, known for his portraits of Native American life.
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This is a painting of Native Americans participating in a ceremonial gathering. The painting depicts a group of people gathered outdoors on a grassy field, encircled by hills under a sky with scattered clouds. At the forefront stands a figure adorned in traditional attire, including a feathered headdress and garments with detailed patterning. The figure appears to be holding ceremonial objects and addressing or leading the assembly. Around this central figure, the people are positioned in various postures, seemingly listening or observing attentively. The scene is framed within an oval border, highlighting the central action while subtly incorporating a background structure that resembles an earthen or wooden lodge. The atmosphere is serene, with muted colors suggesting a peaceful observance. This is in the style of George Catlin, known for his portraits of Native American life.

National Gallery of Art · Painting

A Mandan Medicine Man

George Catlin

Date
1861/1869
Medium
oil on card mounted on paperboard
Dimensions
overall: 47 x 63 cm (18 1/2 x 24 13/16 in.)
Classification
Painting
Accession number
1965.16.85
Credit line
Paul Mellon Collection
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CAB

Subjects and terms

  • painted surface
  • American
  • North American Indian
  • portrait
  • American Paintings, Catlin
  • Mandan
  • Medicine Man (unnamed)
Provenance

George Catlin [1796-1872]; by descent to his daughters, Clara Gregory Catlin, Louise Catlin Kinney, and Elizabeth Wing Catlin; purchased 1912 from Elizabeth Wing Catlin by the American Museum of Natural History; sold 1959 through (Kennedy Galleries, New York) to Mr. Paul Mellon, Upperville, VA; gift 1965 to the NGA.

NGA object ID 50393. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.