La Salle Erecting a Cross and Taking Possession of the Land. March 25, 1682 1847 - 1848

George Catlin painted 'La Salle Erecting a Cross and Taking Possession of the Land' in the 19th century. It depicts an event that happened centuries earlier. Catlin was committed to documenting Native American life, yet here, he portrays a scene of colonial expansion. The painting captures La Salle's act of claiming land in the name of France. European figures stand upright, while Native Americans are either kneeling or standing passively, a visual hierarchy that speaks volumes about power dynamics. Catlin’s romanticism of Native Americans is challenged by this depiction, revealing the complexities of his perspective. This image isn't just a historical record; it's a statement about the competing narratives of land, culture, and identity. It invites us to reflect on whose stories are told and how they shape our understanding of the past.