Artwork

Flamingo Shooting in South America

Flamingo Shooting in South America, by George Catlin, unspecified, 1856
Flamingo Shooting in South America, by George Catlin, unspecified, 1856

Flamingo Shooting in South America is an unspecified painting by the American Folk Art artist George Catlin. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

About this work

Overview

Flamingo Shooting in South America is a painting by George Catlin, created in 1856. It is part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a hunting scene where two men in shallow water shoot at flamingos. The men are surrounded by baskets and greenery, with one holding a smoking rifle, amidst a backdrop of hills under a cloudy sky.

Technique & Style

The scene is characterized by its dynamic movement, with flamingos flying in various directions and the men engaged in hunting. The composition reflects Catlin's practice of documenting natural scenes based on his firsthand observations.

History & Provenance

George Catlin, initially a lawyer, turned to painting and traveled extensively to document wildlife and indigenous life. His work expanded to include South American fauna in his later years, as seen in this painting.

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.