The Death Whoop 1849 - 1855

drawing, watercolor

drawing

toned paper

possibly oil pastel

watercolor

coffee painting

underpainting

traditional art medium

united-states

painting painterly

watercolour bleed

watercolour illustration

watercolor

warm toned green

"The Death Whoop" is a watercolor painting by Seth Eastman, created between 1849 and 1855. This artwork depicts a dramatic scene of a Native American warrior triumphantly holding the scalp of his fallen enemy, symbolizing victory in battle. Eastman, a military officer and artist, is known for his detailed depictions of Native American life and customs. This painting exemplifies his ability to capture the intensity of a conflict and offer a glimpse into the cultural practices of the time.

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minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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U.S. Army Captain Seth Eastman was a trained artist who served twice on the frontier at Minnesota’s Fort Snelling, from 1830 to 1832 and again from 1841 to 1848. His extensive firsthand, peaceful encounters with Native Americans gave him extraordinary opportunities to observe their customs and practices, which he documented in his art. He became known as the “pictorial historian of the Indian.” This watercolor belongs to a series that he made between 1849 and 1855 to illustrate Henry Rowe Schoolcraft’s massive survey, "Historical and Statistical Information Respecting the History, Condition and Prospects of the Indian Tribes of the United States" (Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co., 1851-57). Mia’s 35 watercolors and drawings for the project represent an astounding array of subjects: muskrat hunting, fish spearing, pest control, rice gathering, maple sugaring, shelter, travel, medicine, mourning, dancing, civics, and topography. With such variety and Eastman’s well-informed clarity of depiction, they constitute an unparalleled visual account of native ways in our region.