Four Goo-a-give Indians 1854 - 1869

George Catlin’s watercolor painting, “Four Goo-a-give Indians” (1854-1869), depicts four Native American men from the Goo-a-give tribe. The painting is part of a larger series of works by Catlin documenting Native American cultures. Catlin’s artwork contributed significantly to the Romantic idealization of Native American life, portraying them as noble savages living in harmony with nature. The painting is an example of the genre of portraiture and presents a realistic portrayal of the men's attire, facial features, and poses. The background is rendered with a sense of depth and realism, depicting a landscape with palm trees and a hazy sky.