Chesh-Oo-Honga-All

Artist George Catlin (American, 1796 - 1872)

Date1816-1872

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions28 x 23 in. (71.1 x 58.4 cm)
Frame Dimension: 31 × 25 1/2 in. (78.7 × 64.8 cm)

ClassificationsOil Painting

Credit LinePrivate Collection

Terms

Object number1995.06T

Description"Chesh-Oo-Hoonga-All" is painted with the humanity and dignity representative of Catlin's portraits of Native Americans. Based on the man's assertive gaze and elaborate costume, it is likely that he was figure of great stature. The characteristically "primitive" style of painting in which Catlin rendered "Chesh-Oo-Hoonga-All", reflects the artist's own humble origins and non-pretentious world view. Catlin sought to reverse society's perception of the Indian as savage and instead present the public with images of the warm, hospitable peoples he had come to know. While "Chesh-Oo-Hoonga-All" has an intimidating presence, he lacks the brutality commonly attributed to Native Americans at that time.

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On view