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Weapons and Physiognomy of the Grizzly Bear

Object Details

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The prairies of the 1830s were a paradise for animal predators as well as enthusiastic huntsmen. Eagles, wolves, mountain lions, and grizzly bears were among the beasts hunting the abundant antelope, elk, and buffalo. George Catlin described many encounters between predators and prey, but could only make quick sketches of these incidents as they unfolded, in hopes of capturing the excitement in more finished studio works. Catlin disapproved of white settlers’ encroaching on Indian lands, yet he continued to describe and paint scenes that were calculated to appeal to Euro-American sportsmen, enticing them westward for the thrilling hunts he described.
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Artist
George Catlin, born Wilkes-Barre, PA 1796-died Jersey City, NJ 1872
Date
1846-1848
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr.
Medium
oil on canvas
Dimensions
26 5/8 x 32 5/8 in. (67.5 x 82.8 cm)
Type
Painting
This image is in the public domain (free of copyright restrictions). You can copy, modify, and distribute this work without contacting the Smithsonian. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Open Access page.
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