Kút-tee-o-túb-bee, How Did He Kill, a Noted Brave (Choctaw) - George Catlin

A portrait of the Choctaw man Kút-tee-o-túb-bee by George Catlin, captured during his 1834 expedition to the Southern Plains.

George Catlin painted this portrait of Kút-tee-o-túb-bee during his 1834 expedition to the Southern Plains. The subject, a Choctaw man, is depicted in a manner that reflects the cultural exchange occurring during the early nineteenth century. His attire combines traditional elements with European-influenced garments, such as the white collared shirt and the structured turban, which became common among various Indigenous groups in the region during this period.

Catlin utilised a direct, observational approach to his portraiture. The subject is positioned against a neutral, atmospheric background, which directs the viewer's attention to his facial features and the specific details of his clothing. The blue fabric of his garment features a subtle, swirling pattern, rendered with loose brushwork that contrasts with the more defined lines of his facial structure. The red sash and turban provide a strong colour contrast, creating a visual balance within the composition.

This work is part of the extensive collection Catlin produced to document the lives and appearances of Indigenous peoples across North America. He travelled extensively, often working under difficult conditions to capture these likenesses before the rapid expansion of the United States altered these communities. The portrait provides a specific record of Choctaw dress and personal style in the 1830s. Catlin's technique often involved rapid application of paint, prioritising the capture of the subject's presence over highly polished finish. The resulting image offers a direct encounter with the individual, preserved through the artist's specific stylistic lens. This print reproduces the textures and colour variations of the original oil painting, allowing for a close examination of the brushwork and the specific choices made by the artist in representing his subject.