Artwork preview

Chief of the Taensa Indians Receiving La Salle. March 20, 1682

George Catlin

National Gallery of Art

This painting shows an open settlement space with thatched buildings to the left and center. Smoke rises from the thatched roofs. More houses and trees are visible on the horizon, below pale-green hills. Closest to us, people are gathered in groups, some standing and others seated on the ground. To the left of center, a group walks under an awning on a carpet that has been laid out for them. They seem to be approaching another group to the right of center. The color palette includes earthy tones of brown, green, and reddish-brown, with light blue and gray tones in the sky. The painting is surrounded by a pale-green border.

Artwork Details

Date
1847/1848
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
10938 × 8131 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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