Ball-play of the Choctaw–Ball Up (1850) by George Catlin

Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Up - George Catlin - 1850

Artwork Information

TitleBall-play of the Choctaw--Ball Up
ArtistGeorge Catlin
Date1850
Art MovementRealism

About Ball-play of the Choctaw--Ball Up

The artwork titled “Ball-play of the Choctaw–Ball Up” is a genre painting created by artist George Catlin in the year 1850. Belonging to the Realism art movement, this piece captures a dynamic scene of the traditional stickball game, which was an important part of Choctaw culture.

In the artwork, the viewer is presented with an energetic portrayal of a Stickball game, a precursor to modern lacrosse, which holds significant cultural importance among Native American tribes. The game is set in an expansive, open field under a wide, clouded sky, with undulating hills in the background, hinting at an idyllic, natural landscape that frames the fervent activity below.

There is a palpable sense of movement and action as numerous figures engage in the game, their bodies depicted in various poses that indicate running, leaping, and striving to catch or hit the ball. The players, sparsely dressed, highlight the athleticism and physical prowess required for this traditional sport. In the background, one observes conical structures that resemble traditional Native American dwellings, which, along with spectators lining the field, contribute to a sense of community and shared experience surrounding the event.

The artwork communicates the intensity and the robust communal spirit of the game. Catlin’s attention to detail not only provides a rich visual description of the event but also a documentary insight into the customs and daily life of the Choctaw people in the 19th century. This painting stands as an important historical record, reflecting the artist’s commitment to capturing the ways of life of indigenous tribes during a period of significant change and upheaval.

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