See-non-ty-a, an Iowa Medicine Man - George Catlin

A portrait of See-non-ty-a, an Iowa medicine man, painted by George Catlin in 1832 during his travels across the American Great Plains.

George Catlin painted this portrait of See-non-ty-a, an Iowa medicine man, during his extensive travels across the American Great Plains in the early 1830s. Catlin sought to document the lives and customs of Indigenous peoples before their cultures were altered by westward expansion. This work is part of his larger Indian Gallery, a collection of hundreds of paintings intended to preserve the appearance and traditions of various tribes.

The subject is depicted in a frontal bust pose, his gaze directed towards the viewer. His head is shaved, save for a prominent roach headdress made of hair, which stands upright. He wears large, ornate ear ornaments and a series of necklaces, including a large circular gorget. The application of paint is direct, with a focus on capturing the specific features and personal adornments of the sitter. The background is a neutral, muted tone, which ensures the focus remains entirely on the subject.

Catlin often worked quickly, sometimes completing portraits in a single sitting. His style is characterised by a realistic approach to facial features, combined with a focus on the specific cultural markers of the individual. The portrait provides a historical record of the Iowa people during a period of significant change. The lighting is soft, creating a sense of presence and gravity. This print captures the textures of the subject's attire and the subtle variations in his skin tone, offering a clear view of the original oil painting's composition and detail.