Module 3: Artwork Analysis of Comanche Village, Women Dressing Robes and Drying Meat


.                                          https://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/buffalo

        This artwork is called Comanche Village, Women Dressing Robes and Drying Meat. It was painted by George Catlin in 1834-1835. He used oil paint on a canvas to create this painting. In this peice you can see a village of Native Americans living their daily life. There are two small groups congregated in the foreground. On the right in the foreground there are three females stretching and working animal hides for other use. On the left foreground you can see a group of men sitting and standing together with a dog. It is not clear what they are doing. There is also meat drying stations scattered around the background. There are also a number of other subjects in the background. People riding horses, walking together, and coming in and out of their homes. You can see a large number of teepees which shows the immense size of the village. The colors of the painting, especially the landscape, are pastel and dull. Lots of yellows, greens, and browns in this painting. It looks like it was set in the golden hours of the day just before sunset. 

         The lines in this painting are blurry, especially on the people. This almost gives the illusion that they are moving. The artist also used most of the canvas with objects or subjects, there is very little free space. The color is mostly warm but they are dull. I think the painting emphasizes the daily work that this village goes through. 

        I believe the context of this painting is understanding of other cultures. I believe the artist was watching how this village survives. The tone of this is almost adventurous even though it is of mundane activities. To me, it seems like the village settling down during the afternoon after a long day of travel, hunting, and gathering. During 1834/1835 people were starting to move more west and exploring the new lands. The battle at the Alamo was also happening during 1835, however, I am not sure that affected this painting. 



George Catlin, Comanche Village, Women Dressing Robes and Drying Meat, 1834-1835, oil on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Joseph Harrison, Jr., 1985.66.346

Comments

  1. Josh HernandezJanuary 31, 2021 at 10:26 AM

    Hi Grace, I really like how descriptive you were about the details in this painting. You did a great job taking a long look at this painting and describing everything you saw in this picture. I agree, I think the artist wanted to share the culture of Native Americans and drew a picture to show people what life was like living as a Native in the West. I really like Native American culture so thank you for sharing.

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