Wounded Buffalo Bull 1861 - 1869

George Catlin made this painting of a Wounded Buffalo Bull with oil on canvas, sometime in the 19th century. Catlin was interested in depicting Native American life, and here he shows us the impact of the hunt. Look at the texture he creates, using visible brushstrokes to describe the animal’s shaggy fur. The weight of the buffalo is palpable, and its dark color makes a stark contrast with the open sky. Consider how the painting was made: Catlin likely worked quickly, recording what he saw in the field. The painting is not polished or refined, but raw and immediate. In that sense, it has much in common with craft practices, where the hand of the maker is always evident. More than that, this image captures a moment of dramatic transformation, where the buffalo are being driven towards near-extinction. It is a potent reminder of the impact of human action on the natural world. So, by focusing on the materials, the making, and the context, we can understand more fully the power of this painting.