Grassy Bluffs, Upper Missouri 1861 - 1869

George Catlin made this painting, "Grassy Bluffs, Upper Missouri," using oil on canvas. Catlin’s depictions of the American West are not just landscapes; they’re documents of a specific historical moment. The smooth application of oil paint allows for precise detailing of the landscape. The texture is so smooth, so considered, and each detail is carefully laid down. It has been crafted with a high level of artistic skill that was traditionally esteemed. Catlin's work raises questions about the relationship between art, commerce, and the representation of indigenous cultures. His paintings were made for consumption, feeding a growing fascination with the American West. Catlin presented viewers with a romanticized view, while also highlighting the impact of westward expansion on indigenous peoples and their way of life. Considering the materials, making, and historical context enriches our understanding of the artwork, challenging conventional boundaries of fine art and craft.