Spearing Muskrats in Winter 1849 - 1855

Seth Eastman created "Spearing Muskrats in Winter" in the mid-19th century using watercolor and graphite. Eastman, an artist and West Point graduate, served as a topographer and illustrator for the U.S. Army. He was assigned to different forts, where he made images of Native American life. Here, Eastman presents two Dakota men hunting in winter. The seemingly straightforward depiction of indigenous life is, of course, mediated by Eastman’s position as an outsider to Dakota culture. It was made during a period of intense cultural contact and conflict. The image evokes a sense of native people living in harmony with nature, while other Eastman paintings show scenes of warfare and treaty signings. Understanding Eastman’s art requires looking at both the paintings and the historical context in which he made them. His personal papers and the official records of the U.S. Army offer opportunities to learn more about the artist and the social and political environment that shaped his vision.