the painting depicts the chief of the iowa tribe, and was painted in europe. the native americans were massacred by the europeans during their conquest of america. most of the tribes were wiped out, killed and driven out of their land. catlin's painting shows a kind of humility, grace and courage in the chief's face even after enduring severe hardships and persecution by the europeans.
striking thing about the portrait is how much of it is constructed rather than observed. Catlin invented the hazy blue sky in the background entirely from imagination, despite the actual sitting taking place indoors in a cramped London studio.
The costume details are dense with meaning rather than decorative: the red face paint and green lines follow Iowa conventions of face painting, the headdress combines dyed deer's tail and eagle quills over an otter fur turban, and the bear claw necklace and carved conch shell adornments signal status within the tribe. The green handprint across his cheek specifically marks him as skilled in hand-to-hand combat.
there is a mythical quality to the potrait and personally speaking it evokes a spirit of perseverance in the viewer. the stable and calm face of the chief, among the ill cards dealt by fate to him.
The portrait of the chief of the Iowa tribe by George Catlin is truly dignified and strong regardless of the tremendous suffering that Native Americans have undergone during the colonial period of Europe. Even though the painting was created by Catlin in his London studio, the imaginary blue sky makes it almost timeless. Each detail of the chief’s dress bears some cultural symbolism, from the native make-up and headdress decorated with eagle feathers, to the bear-claw necklace and the ornaments from shells, as well as the handprint of the green color that stands for bravery in battle. It should be noted that the picture speaks about not the defeat but about resilience, courage, and perseverance of the nation.
