George Catlin: American Indian Portraits

Fun exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery of portraits of American Indian’s by George Catlin.

These were painted in the early 19th century during a period of great change in the American West as an attempt to document a changing way of life.

I particularly liked the room hung to recreate how they were exhibited in London at the Egyptian Hall in 1841. One wall was hung thickly with them frame to frame and floor to ceiling.  It was an impressive sight and was only 5% of the original display.

I liked the fact that all the sitters were named and many had a small history of their lives. I felt I’d like to be “One Who Gives No Attention”!

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