Cochimtee Chief, His Wife, and a Warrior by Catlin, George
This painting, "Cochimtee Chief, His Wife, and a Warrior" by George Catlin, created between 1855 and 1869, offers a glimpse into Native American life as documented by an early American artist. Catlin, a self-taught artist and lawyer, dedicated much of his career to traveling the American frontier in the 1830s, capturing the lives of Plains Indians through his portraits and writings.
Look closely at the details often overlooked. At the very top edge, a small '112.' indicates this work's place within a collection, possibly for exhibition or inventory. Then, shift your gaze to the bottom right corner, where Catlin's discreet initials 'A' and '287' are marked.
These seemingly minor details provide fascinating clues about the painting's provenance and how it was cataloged within a larger body of work. Catlin's paintings serve as a vital visual archive of Native American culture during a pivotal time in American history, even if his methods of documentation now seem less than ideal.
What other hidden marks or numbers might paintings conceal, and what stories do they tell?
Details
Transcript
This painter traveled the American frontier in the 1830s. He documented Plains Indian life through portraits and writings. Look closely at the very top edge of the painting. There, a small '112.' reveals its catalog number. And in the bottom right corner, you can find the artist's initials. A small 'A' and '287' mark his work, for a collection.