For centuries the Plain Indians lived undisturbed and relatively isolated in the central part of what now is the United States. The tribes' relative isolation rapidly changed after the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804 sparked official United States government interest in the West...and the public's interest in Indians grew apace. Artists trekked to the West to paint images for those unable to make the journey. The most notable of these artists are McKenney and Hall, George Catlin, the German prince Maximilian and Count Buffon, and Karl Bodmer. Though differing in methodology and interest, they are united in the view that Native American culture was quickly changing and was perhaps imperiled by the march of a Western culture alien to it. Whether they romanticized or primitivized the culture, they all shared the sense that this was a unique and probably last moment to depict a people in its pure state.
Bibliography:
Gilreath, James. Library of Congress.
Argynnis Aglaia (Dark Green Fritillary)
Melitaea Euphrosyne (Pearl Bordered Fritillary)
William H. Lizars
Engraving
England - 19th century More Info...
