Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. George Catlin died in 1872; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1942.
In context
Making Flint Arrowheads - Apachees — George Catlin
The original measures 47 × 63 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 76 at death.
Painted when the artist was 73. The artist lived to 76. 524 of the 732 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of George Catlin (1796–1872) ▲ this work, 1869 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1832 Main working years: 1832–1869 Late works: from 1869
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/george-catlin-making-flint-arrowheads-apachees-D38L3C-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Gray #827f67
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 18.1% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 736 works by this artist, of which 234 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Wilkes-Barre, United States of America
George Catlin, born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in 1796, was a man destined to become a bridge between worlds—the established American society of his time and the rapidly vanishing cultures of Native American tribes. His childhood was deeply imprinted with tales of the frontier, stories recounted by his mother, Polly Sutton, who had herself endured the harrowing experience of capture during an Indian raid. These narratives ignited within young Catlin a fascination with the West, a land perceived as both dangerous and profoundly romantic. Though initially trained in law, he discovered his true calling not within the courtroom but in capturing the essence of a way of life he feared was slipping away. He abandoned legal practice after only two years, driven by an artistic impulse and a growing conviction that the traditions and appearances of Native Americans deserved meticulous documentation for posterity. This wasn’t merely aesthetic curiosity; it was a sense of urgency, a premonition that westward expansion would irrevocably alter these cultures. His early work involved engravings depicting scenes along the Erie Canal, demonstrating his technical skill and attention to detail—qualities that would become hallmarks of his later, more ambitious projects. These initial endeavors served as a crucial foundation, honing his observational abilities and establishing his commitment to visual storytelling.
Catlin’s defining achievement was undoubtedly the creation of “The Indian Gallery,” an extraordinary collection of over 500 paintings dedicated to portraying Native American life and culture. Beginning in the 1830s, he embarked on five extensive expeditions into the American West, traveling up the Missouri River and venturing into territories inhabited by tribes such as the Mandan, Sioux, Blackfeet, and Choctaw. He wasn’t simply an observer; Catlin immersed himself within these communities, participating in ceremonies, witnessing daily life, and forging relationships with tribal leaders. His paintings are remarkable for their realism and vibrant colors, capturing not only physical likenesses but also a sense of the dignity and complexity of Native American customs. Ball-Play of the Choctaw, for example, is a dynamic depiction of a traditional game, showcasing the athleticism and communal spirit of the tribe. Similarly, his portrait of Mó-sho-la-túb-bee, He Who Puts Out and Kills, Chief of the Tribe, reveals a powerful leader with an unwavering gaze, conveying both authority and wisdom. Catlin’s style is characterized by meticulous detail, often including elaborate backgrounds that provide context for his subjects—landscapes, tipis, ceremonial objects—all rendered with a keen eye for accuracy. He sought to present Native Americans not as savage stereotypes but as individuals with rich cultural traditions and complex social structures, challenging the prevailing prejudices of his time.
Despite the artistic merit and historical significance of The Indian Gallery, Catlin faced considerable challenges in gaining recognition and financial support for his work. He envisioned donating the collection to the U.S. government, hoping it would be preserved as a national treasure, but his initial proposals were repeatedly rejected. Undeterred, he took his gallery on tour, exhibiting it first in London, then Paris, and Berlin during the 1840s and 50s. These European exhibitions garnered considerable acclaim, introducing audiences to a world they had previously only known through secondhand accounts. Catlin also published several books detailing his travels and observations, including Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians (1841) and Last Rambles Amongst the Indians of the Rocky Mountains and the Andes (1868), further solidifying his reputation as a leading authority on Native American culture. However, financial difficulties continued to plague him throughout his life. In a desperate attempt to recoup some of his investment, he recreated over 400 paintings in a smaller “cartoon collection,” but even this effort failed to yield substantial returns. This period was marked by constant struggle and a poignant irony—a man dedicated to preserving a culture facing extinction found himself battling for his own survival.
George Catlin died in 1872, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate today. While his work wasn’t fully appreciated during his lifetime, it has since been recognized as an invaluable historical record of Native American life before the sweeping changes brought about by westward expansion. His paintings offer a glimpse into cultures that were often misrepresented or ignored in mainstream narratives. Prairie Meadows Burning, with its dramatic depiction of a controlled burn and accompanying riders, captures not only the landscape but also the intimate relationship between Native Americans and their environment. Pipestone Quarry, Coteau Des Prairies illustrates the spiritual significance of this sacred site for many tribes. Catlin’s meticulous documentation provides insights into tribal customs, social structures, religious beliefs, and artistic traditions—information that would have been lost to history without his dedicated efforts. His work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural preservation and the need to challenge preconceived notions about indigenous peoples. He wasn't simply an artist; he was a chronicler, a witness, and a passionate advocate for a vanishing way of life—a legacy that continues to inspire and inform our understanding of American history and culture.
Sham Fight, Mandan Boys (1832-1833): A lively depiction of a playful mock battle among young Mandan warriors.
Mrs. George Catlin (Clara Bartlett Gregory) (1850): A portrait showcasing the artist’s wife, offering insight into his personal life.
Pipestone Quarry, Coteau Des Prairies (1848): Illustrates a sacred site for many tribes and their spiritual connection to the land.
Medicine Buffalo of the Sioux (1839): A striking portrait capturing the dignity and power of a prominent Sioux leader.
Prairie Meadows Burning (1832): Depicts a dramatic scene of controlled burning, highlighting the relationship between Native Americans and their environment.
Dubuque's Grave, Upper Mississippi (1836): A landscape painting capturing the serene beauty of the Upper Mississippi region with Impressionistic brushwork.
Eagle Dance, Choctaw (1837): A vibrant portrayal of a traditional Choctaw ceremony, showcasing their rich cultural heritage.
Little Wolf, A Famos Warrior (1844): A powerful portrait of a Native American warrior, symbolizing strength and resilience.
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Look closely
Making Flint Arrowheads - Apachees — George Catlin
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
An ochre to sepia hue runs through "Making Flint Arrowheads - Apachees" by George Catlin.
"Making Flint Arrowheads - Apachees" by George Catlin is a landscape composition. The proportions are worth checking before choosing a print size.
"Making Flint Arrowheads - Apachees" is available as a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper. Orders are placed on its Fine Art Print page, in the size of your choice.