Wáh-pa-ko-lás-kuk, Bear's Track

Wáh‑pa‑ko‑lás‑kuk, Bear’s Track is an 1835 oil painting by American artist George Catlin, a pioneering figure in 19th‑century American art known for his extensive portraits of Native American peoples and cultures. This portrait was likely executed at a Sac and Fox village during Catlin’s travels in the American West, reflecting his aim to document Indigenous individuals in their traditional dress and settings. 

The composition presents the subject in a dignified profile, wearing traditional attire and holding cultural objects, emphasizing both personal identity and cultural presence. Catlin’s work is noted for its direct observational quality and historical significance, offering insight into Native life during a period of rapid change on the American frontier. 

Artwork details

Artist: George Catlin

Title: Wáh‑pa‑ko‑lás‑kuk, Bear’s Track

Date: 1835

Style: American Realism, Frontier Portraiture

Medium: Originally oil on canvas

Subject: Portrait of a Native American man (Sauk and Fox)

Features: Traditional dress, cultural objects, historical authenticity

Dimensions: 15x20 cm / 6x8″