View of Chicago in 1837 by Catlin, George

Catlin, George · 1861/1869

George Catlin's 'View of Chicago in 1837' captures a moment in time that had already passed when the painting was created. This oil on card, mounted on paperboard, depicts a nascent Chicago, still largely dominated by its natural surroundings rather than urban sprawl.

Look closely at the small settlement, the few buildings, and the winding waterway. Catlin, better known for his portraits of Native Americans, here documents the American landscape's transformation from frontier to metropolis.

Catlin painted this work in 1865, nearly three decades after the scene it portrays. By then, Chicago had undergone explosive growth, making this painting a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era. It's now housed at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

It’s fascinating to see how an artist can capture a memory of a place, even as it dramatically changes around them.

Details

But he created this scene of early Chicago years later.

Catlin shows a Chicago that was already gone.

Transcript

This is Chicago, in 1837. A tiny settlement, still surrounded by wilderness. The painter was known for portraits of Native Americans. But he created this scene of early Chicago years later. It was painted in 1865, almost 30 years after this view. Catlin shows a Chicago that was already gone.