Four Navaho Warriors

George Catlin

National Gallery of Art

The image features four men shown in full-body view. The man on the left stands with his back to the viewer, propping one foot on a rock or mound, leaning slightly forward while holding a spear. He wears a fur garment around his waist. The second man faces the viewer directly, holding a spear in his left hand. The third man stands facing forward but with his body turned slightly sideways, holding a ceremonial staff, with one hand on his chest. The fourth man turns to the right, gesturing with his arm extended, holding a round shield in the other hand and wearing leggings with fringed detail. All the men wear similar hairstyles, long and dark, with feathered adornments. Each is shirtless, highlighting muscular torsos, and they wear accessories such as necklaces or feathers. The background is a simple, subtly colored wash, providing an earth-toned contrast to the figures, with a plain border framing the entire composition.