Three Potowotomie Indians 1861 - 1869

This is “Three Potowotomie Indians,” painted by George Catlin sometime in the mid-19th century, using oil on canvas. Catlin was an artist who dedicated himself to documenting Native American life. Here, his approach to materials and processes invites us to reflect on the encounter between cultures that he witnessed. The smooth, controlled brushwork and the use of oil paint—a European medium associated with fine art—signal Catlin's own cultural background and artistic training. Yet, the painting’s significance lies in its subject: members of the Potawatomi tribe. Their clothing, adornments, and the very act of portraiture speak to indigenous practices and beliefs. The contrast between Catlin's artistic technique and the subject he portrays raises important questions about representation, cultural exchange, and the role of art in shaping our understanding of history. By considering both the materials and the culture of the figures depicted, we can appreciate the complex story this painting tells.