Osage Chief with Two Warriors

George Catlin

National Gallery of Art

The image shows three Native American individuals standing outdoors. Their full bodies are captured in a standing position. The person on the left is dressed in a fringed and beaded robe and is holding a long spear decorated with feathers. This individual has a distinct headpiece with feathers pointing upwards and is depicted with a quiver bag over their shoulder. The central figure wears a long, elaborately beaded tunic, a bold necklace, and holds an axe. They display a headpiece similar to the left figure, with strong cheekbones and an engaged expression. The person on the right wears a red shirt with intricate design and fringed pants, holding another axe. This individual also wears a feathered headpiece, necklaces, and other decorative elements. All three individuals are set against a pale, open background of sky and ground, with faint blue and green tones suggesting a grassy plain on a softly clouded day. The scene is framed in an oval shape, with a parchment border surrounding it.