Painting the Lengua Chief 1854 - 1869

"Painting the Lengua Chief" is a painting by American artist George Catlin, completed sometime between 1854 and 1869. It depicts a group of Lengua people in their village in South America, with their thatched roof dwellings and a canoe on the river. The artwork reflects the artist's fascination with Native American culture, part of a larger series documenting the traditions and practices of various indigenous groups. This painting, measuring 47 x 62.5 cm, is a small but detailed work by the artist, a well-known figure in the field of American Indian portraiture and ethnographic documentation.