Weapons and Physiognomy of the Grizzly Bear
From the collection of Smithsonian American Art Museum. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
The prairies of the 1830s were a paradise for animal predators as well as enthusiastic huntsmen. Eagles, wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears were among the beasts hunting the abundant antelope, elk, and buffalo. George Catlin described many encounters between predators and prey, but could only make quick sketches of these incidents as they unfolded, in hopes of capturing the excitement in more finished studio works. Catlin disapproved of white settlers’ encroaching on Indian lands, yet he continued to describe and paint scenes that were calculated to appeal to Euro-American sportsmen, enticing them westward for the thrilling hunts he described.
Smithsonian American Art Museum’s own description
