Pair of North American Native Indian Portraits by George Catlin

Fine Art : Printmaking

 

Submitted for your consideration are two hand colored aquatints from James Prichard’s 1855 “The Natural History of Man” of portraits of Native Americans by the renowned plains artist George Catlin (1796-1872). Catlin was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Following a brief career as a lawyer, he produced two major collections of paintings of American Indians and published a series of books chronicling his travels among the native peoples of North, Central and South America. Claiming his interest in America’s 'vanishing race' was sparked by a visiting American Indian delegation in Philadelphia, he set out to record the appearance and customs of America’s native people. Collectors prize his paintings and prints, and many of his works are in the permanent collections of many fine museums.

Please note the simple beauty of these historical portraits. The first is of Tuch-ee, a Cherokee War Chief. Catlin described the character of the sitter: "This is one of the most extraordinary men that lives on the frontiers at the present day, both for his remarkable history and for his fine and manly figure, and character of face. This man was in the employment of the Government as a guide and hunter for the regiment of dragoons, on their expedition of the Comanche’s, where I had him for a constant companion for several months, and opportunities in abundance, for studying his true character, and of witnessing his wonderful exploits in the different varieties of the chase. ... I promise that the life of this man furnishes the best material for a popular tale, that are now to be procured on the Western frontier." What a wonderful crisp image of this noble chief this portrait is.

The second work, also a vision of loveliness, is of a beautiful young maiden simply known a Sha-ko-ka, a Mandan girl. Both of these prints measure 4.75” by 7.75” and in their unframed mattes they are 9’ by 12”. Both works are in excellent if not Mint condition. The first has Caitlin’s name on the work, while the second work taken from the same publication is unsigned. We have seen these works sell individually for over $350.00 on the Web, but thanks to a savvy purchase we can off both of these portraits to you for $350.00, 50% off the aforementioned price.

Item ID: RL-5279