Captain Lewis Meeting the Shoshones 1903

Charles M. Russell’s 1903 watercolor, "Captain Lewis Meeting the Shoshones", depicts a pivotal moment in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The painting showcases the encounter between Captain Meriwether Lewis and the Shoshone tribe in 1805. Russell masterfully captures the tension and suspense of the meeting, as Lewis, accompanied by his men, approaches the Native American tribe on horseback. The American flag, held by one of Lewis's men, symbolizes the presence of the United States, while the Shoshones, adorned in their traditional garb, represent the indigenous people of the region. The vast, open landscape of the American West serves as a backdrop, setting the scene for this historical event. The painting's realistic details, such as the horses, clothing, and weaponry, bring the scene to life and offer viewers a glimpse into the historical encounter between explorers and Native Americans.