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Artwork

Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child

George Catlin , 1865

Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child, by George Catlin, oil, 1865
Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child, by George Catlin, oil, 1865

Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child is an oil painting by the American Folk Art artist George Catlin. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1865, this oil painting on card mounted to paperboard presents a small group from the Sioux nation.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower left on card: A/487; upper center on board in graphite: 6

About this work

Technique & Style

The painting is executed in oil on card that is mounted on paperboard, classifying it as an oil painting on a rigid support.

The painting is executed in oil on card that is mounted on paperboard, classifying it as an oil painting on a rigid support. Its dimensions measure 44.2 cm in height by 61 cm in width, reflecting a formal scale typical of 19th‑century portraiture. The work depicts Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child, rendered with Catlin’s characteristic attention to detail and ethnographic interest, producing a composition that balances individual portraiture with group dynamics.

The handling of pigment emphasizes texture on the card surface, contributing to a vivid yet controlled visual presence that underscores the formal stylistic qualities of the piece.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1865 by George Catlin, this work entered the artist's family after its creation and remained in his daughters' possession until 1912. It was then acquired by the American Museum of Natural History from Elizabeth Wing Catlin. The painting subsequently passed through Kennedy Galleries in New York before being purchased by Paul Mellon in 1959.

In 1965, Mellon gifted the piece to the National Gallery of Art, where it remains in the collection.

The painting is part of the National Gallery of Art collection in Washington, D.C. It was acquired in 1965 as a gift from Paul Mellon, following its purchase from Kennedy Galleries in 1959 by Paul Mellon. Prior to this, it had descended through George Catlin’s family and was sold in 1912 to the American Museum of Natural History. The work is cataloged with an accession number in the museum’s records, though the specific identifier is not detailed here. Its exhibition history includes display within the National Gallery of Art’s permanent collection galleries.

Context

George Catlin painted Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child in 1865, depicting Indigenous leaders and family members with ethnographic precision. The work entered the National Gallery of Art through a documented chain of descent and sale, reflecting early 20th-century acquisition practices for American art. Its inclusion in the NGA collection underscores the institution’s early engagement with Catlin’s oeuvre and the broader scholarly reassessment of his contributions to both art and anthropology.

Overview

Created in 1865, this oil painting on card mounted to paperboard presents a small group from the Sioux nation. Four figures stand beside a woman who cradles a child, each adorned with feathered headdresses and traditional regalia. The composition emphasizes the collective presence of the individuals rather than a single portrait.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays a woman with her infant, accompanied by two chiefs and a medicine man, reflecting roles within Sioux society. By grouping these figures together, the artist suggests a snapshot of communal life, highlighting familial bonds and the ceremonial importance of leadership and healing within the tribe.

Three Distinguished Warriors of the Sioux Tribe
Three Distinguished Warriors of the Sioux Tribe, George Catlin

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Catlin

Artist

George Catlin

George Catlin ( KAT-lin; July 26, 1796 – December 23, 1872) was an American lawyer, painter, author, and traveler, who specialized in portraits of Native Americans in the American frontier.

MORE BY GEORGE CATLIN

SAME SUBJECT

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child?

Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child was painted by George Catlin in 1861/1869.

Where can I see Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child?

Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child?

Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child is associated with American Folk Art.

Can I buy a print of Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child?

Museum-quality prints of Two Sioux Chiefs, a Medicine Man, and a Woman with a Child are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.