The image displays a landscape framed in an oval shape, depicting a river scene. People and canoes are near the river, engaging in activities like fishing and paddling. Grassy banks lead to a settlement area where groups of people are gathered near simple structures. Tall trees form a canopy above the settlement. The brushstrokes are detailed, creating texture in the foliage and terrain. The color palette is earthy, with greens, yellows, browns, and blues dominating the scene. Taller trees reach into the sky in the background, completing the view.
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.

A Small Village - Payaguas Indians

George Catlin (American, 1796 - 1872)

1854/1869

Medium
oil on card mounted on paperboard
Classification
Painting
Dimensions
overall: 47.6 x 63.3 cm (18 3/4 x 24 15/16 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
Little Ones profiles and older: it shows gentle subjects for the very young. How works are placed

View at the National Gallery of Art