This originally hand-colored, Native American engraving is from George Catlin's Die Indianer Nord-Amerikas und die wahrend eines achtjahrigen Aufenthaltes unter den wildesten ihrer Stamme erlebten Abenteuer und Schicksale or The Native Americans of North America. The work was published in 1848 in Brussels and Leipzig by Carl Muquardt. This is the first German edition and was translated by Dr. Heinrich Berghous.

Catlin traveled extensively chronicling the lives and culture of Indians across America. He created nearly 500 paintings of which some were used to make prints for his North American Indian Portfolio and in reduced size for Die Indianer Nord-Amerikas... Catlin described his need to do this work in that ?the history and customs of such a people, preserved by pictorial illustrations, are themes worthy of the lifetime of one man, and nothing short of the loss of my life shall prevent me from visiting their country and becoming their historian.? Original images of Native Americans are uncommon from the 19th century, and Catlin?s are among the most detailed and impressive.

Catlin summarized the Native American as "an honest, hospitable, faithful, brave, warlike, cruel, revengeful, relentless, -- yet honourable, contemplative and religious being." In a famous passage from the preface of his North American Indian Portfolio, Catlin describes how the sight of several tribal chiefs in Philadelphia led to his resolution to record their way of life: "the history and customs of such a people, preserved by pictorial illustrations, are themes worthy of the lifetime of one man, and nothing short of the loss of my life shall prevent me from visiting their country and becoming their historian." He saw no future for either their way of life or their very existence, and with these thoughts always at the back of his mind he worked, against time, setting himself a truly punishing schedule, to record what he saw. From 1832 to 1837 he spent the summer months sketching the tribes and then finished his pictures in oils during the winter. The record he left is unique, both in its breadth and also in the sympathetic understanding that his images constantly demonstrate.

George Catlin (1796-1872) was an American lawyer, painter, author, and traveler. He originally was a lawyer but moved to Philadelphia in 1821 to become an artist. He became a member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts in 1824. He made his way early on by creating society portraits and miniatures. He travelled to Buffalo in 1825 producing original artwork on the construction and opening of the Eerie Canal. During his stay in Buffalo, he would paint the Seneca Chief, Red Jacket, which led to his monumental western expedition and renowned Indian paintings.


Paper Size: ~ 6 1/2" by 10"


Paper Type or Special Features: Originally Hand-colored Engraving

The work is in very good to excellent condition. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.