Little Bear, Hunkpapa Brave 1832

George Catlin painted this oil on canvas portrait of Little Bear, a Hunkpapa Brave, sometime in the 19th century. Catlin traveled extensively in the American West and was determined to record what he saw as a vanishing way of life. His images offer insight into the dress and customs of Native American tribes during a period of immense upheaval. His portraits captured the likeness of Indigenous people while also catering to the expectations of his White audience. Consider, for example, the romanticized features and noble bearing he gives to Little Bear. But how much does the painting celebrate its subject, and how much does it participate in the historical process of colonization and erasure? These are the kinds of questions cultural historians ask when we examine art as a reflection of both the artist's intentions and the broader social forces at play. By consulting archival materials, historical documents, and the work of other scholars, we can develop a richer understanding of art as a product of its time.