Portage Around the Falls of Niagara at Table Rock 1847 - 1848

George Catlin’s oil on canvas painting, *Portage Around the Falls of Niagara at Table Rock,* presents an idealized depiction of Indigenous peoples navigating the landscape around Niagara Falls. Catlin painted in the 19th century, a period marked by westward expansion and the displacement of Native American tribes. Through an ethnographic lens, Catlin aimed to document the customs and appearances of various tribes. However, his work is often seen as romanticized. Here, his portrayal reflects the common practice of depicting Indigenous peoples as existing outside of modern life. Catlin’s paintings contributed to constructing a particular narrative about Indigenous identity. As he once said, “I have travelled through many parts of the Americas… and have uniformly found them kind, hospitable, and honest.” While this quote suggests admiration, it also highlights the tendency to generalize and essentialize diverse cultures. By viewing this painting, we might contemplate the complexities of representation, and how artists can perpetuate or challenge stereotypes through their work, while considering our own place within this history.