Wounded Buffalo Bull 1844

George Catlin made this painting, Wounded Buffalo Bull, on paper. Catlin was an American painter who dedicated much of his career to documenting the lives and culture of Native Americans in the 19th century. At that time the concept of ‘Manifest Destiny’ was used as a justification for the relentless westward expansion and displacement of Indigenous peoples. Catlin aimed to capture what he believed was a vanishing way of life due to the impact of colonization, disease, and westward expansion. His work provides a glimpse into the traditions, customs, and struggles of numerous tribes during a period of immense upheaval. The image of the wounded buffalo evokes a sense of vulnerability and loss, reflecting the devastating impact of colonization and the disruption of traditional ways of life. The painting serves as a reminder of the complex and often tragic intersection of cultures and histories during this transformative period.