Hól-te-mál-te-téz-te-néek-ee, Sam Perryman (Creek Chief) 1834

This is George Catlin’s portrait of Hól-te-mál-te-téz-te-néek-ee, Sam Perryman, a Creek Chief, painted with oil on canvas. The composition emphasizes Perryman’s face and attire through meticulous detail and vibrant color. Note the geometric patterns on his headwear, juxtaposed against the flowing fabric draped over his shoulders. Catlin employs a semiotic system of signs to convey Perryman's status and cultural identity through dress and adornment. The colorful details are designed to attract our attention, while the subdued background ensures the subject is the primary focus. The formal qualities of line and color underscore Catlin's aesthetic and his attempts to represent indigenous leaders. By focusing on the visual elements, we consider how the painting operates within both artistic and cultural discourses of representation. It's a visual artifact inviting varied readings and historical understanding.