Shee-Náh-Wee
1830
George Catlin traveled thousands of miles into the American frontier in the 1830s with a bold mission: to paint Native American people before their culture vanished forever. This striking portrait features Shee-Náh-Wee, a chief of the Winnebago tribe, staring directly at the viewer with a dignified, intense gaze. He's dressed in a fascinating mix of traditional and trade goods, including a vibrant patterned headwrap and a green coat, while clutching a long pipe tomahawk. Catlin's work is incredibly valuable today because it preserves the likenesses and customs of many tribes during a time of rapid and tragic change.
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