The artwork titled “See-non-ty-a, an Iowa Medicine Man,” is a portrait created by the artist George Catlin in the year 1845, capturing the essence of Realism, an art movement prevalent during that period. The genre of this painting is a portrait, and it provides a vivid representation of an individual, specifically a medicine man from the Iowa tribe.
The artwork showcases an Iowa medicine man, rendered with meticulous attention to detail, as expected from the Realism movement. This individual is depicted with a striking headdress, which prominently features an array of stiff, radiating bristles or quills that create a halo-like silhouette around his head. The man’s face is characterized by a solemn and perhaps contemplative expression, with deep lines etched onto his weathered visage, speaking to the experiences and wisdom accrued over the years.
He dons large, circular earrings and a necklace with sizable medallion-like elements, one of which appears to be made of shell or bone carved with small incisions. Below this, a round metallic or stone piece hangs from his neck, further signifying his status or role within his community. The color palette employed in this portrait seems to lean towards warm, earthy tones, likely in reverence to the natural materials and colors that were significant in Iowa culture. Furthermore, the painting’s background is understated, allowing the viewer to maintain a focus on the medicine man himself and the cultural artifacts he wears.
Overall, the artist has not only captured the likeness of See-non-ty-a but has also imbued the painting with a sense of cultural depth and respect, offering a window into the life and status of a medicine man within the Iowa tribe during the mid-19th century.
