This is a painting of multiple figures in a jungle or forest setting at night, illuminated by torches. The scene shows the figures moving through dense foliage with large leaves and tall trees under a dark sky. The painting focuses on the contrast between the warm light of the torches and the deep shadows. It is in the style of Henri Rousseau, known for his jungle scenes, capturing motion and exploration in the dark, vegetative landscape.

Gallery mode Full size at the museum

Window mode follows your eyes with your camera, in this browser only: no picture or position leaves your device.

Turtle Hunt

George Catlin (American, 1796 - 1872)

1854/1869

Medium: oil on canvas
Classification: Painting
Dimensions: overall: 45.5 x 61.1 cm (17 15/16 x 24 1/16 in.)
Culture: American
Museum: National Gallery of Art, CAB
Credit line: Paul Mellon Collection
Rights: Public domain (NGA Open Access, CC0), as the museum states it.
Who can see it: Teens profiles and older: its subject is for older viewers (war, death, the Passion, drink or the like). How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art

More by George Catlin

See all

More like this

See all