The painting depicts a coastal scene with various maritime and terrestrial activities. The horizon is high in the composition, with a sky displaying golden and orange hues. In the foreground, there are multiple small boats with figures and a larger ship further out. The brushstrokes are detailed and capture movement. The color palette includes turquoise waters, warm sky tones, green coastal foliage, and earthy land colors. In the distance, figures are gathered along the shore, with teepees visible further back.

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First Sailing of the Griffin on Lake Erie. August 7, 1679

George Catlin (American, 1796 - 1872)

1847/1848

Medium: oil on canvas
Classification: Painting
Dimensions: overall: 37.8 x 56.5 cm (14 7/8 x 22 1/4 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

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