Journalist, Painter (1796–1872)

American artist George Catlin recorded Native American culture in his sketches and portraits. The Smithsonian acquired most of his work in 1879.

Synopsis

George Catlin was born on July 26, 1796, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The self-taught artist began painting portraits in 1823. He decided to record Native American heritage before it was lost and in 1830, he traveled West, visiting tribes, painting portraits and drawing sketches. The Smithsonian acquired most of his work in 1879.