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Theodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume
From the collection of Smithsonian American Art Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
George Catlin finished his travels through the American West in 1836, and by December 1839 had set sail for England. He planned to exhibit the Indian Gallery in hopes of attracting a wealthy buyer for his collection, and his works appeared in London’s Egyptian Hall in 1840. Over time, he expanded the gallery to include actors, who wore costumes from Catlin’s own collection and performed tableaux vivants---staged reenactments of Indian songs, dances, and war scenes. This portrait shows Catlin’s nephew Theodore Burr Catlin dressed for a performance.
Smithsonian American Art Museum’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineTheodore Burr Catlin, in Indian Costume. 1840-1841. George Catlin, born Wilkes-Barre, PA 1796-died Jersey City, NJ 1872. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.. CC0.
