Facsimile of a Pawnee Doctor's Robe with Fantastic Professional Designs

George Catlin

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of traditional indigenous imagery on a stretched hide. The artwork depicts stylized figures and scenes, including figures in traditional attire, adorned horses, motifs like a bear and geometric designs. The hide's edges are curling and uneven, indicating its natural origin. This style is reminiscent of indigenous ledger art, which historically used materials like hides for visual storytelling. The background is neutral, enhancing the contrast and detail of the painted scenes on the hide.