Read the visual description
The image shows a beach scene with numerous small figures engaged in activities on the sand. The sea stretches out to the horizon, with clouds and a sailboat visible. The sky gradient transitions from deep orange near the horizon to softer blues and yellows higher up. The water contrasts with the sky in cooler shades. The overall palette is harmonious, with warm earth tones in the sand and vibrant blues and oranges in the sky and sea, creating a serene atmosphere.
National Gallery of Art · Painting
A Whale Ashore - Klahoquat
George Catlin
- Date
- 1855/1869
- Medium
- oil on card mounted on paperboard
- Dimensions
- overall: 48 x 64.1 cm (18 7/8 x 25 1/4 in.)
- Classification
- Painting
- Accession number
- 1965.16.214
- Credit line
- Paul Mellon Collection
- Time span
- 1851 to 1875
- Department
- CAB
Subjects and terms
- painted surface
- American
- mammal
- animal
- Whale
- American Paintings, Catlin
- North American Indian
- landscape
- Klahoquaht
- Vancouver
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 50522. 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.