1) George Catlin, born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on July 26, 1796 to December 23, 1872 (aged 76), was an American lawyer, painter, author, & traveler who specialized in portraits of Native Americans.
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2) He was admitted to the Bar in 1819 and practiced law for two years before giving it up to travel and study art. In 1823, he studied art in Philadelphia and became known for his work as a portraitist.
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3) He visited eighteen tribes, including the Pawnee, Omaha, & Ponca in the south & the Mandan, Hidatsa, Cheyenne, Crow, Assiniboine, & Blackfeet to the north. There he produced the most vivid portraits.
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4) In 1841, Catlin published Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians, in two volumes, with approximately 300 engravings. Three years later he published 25 plates.
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5) He’s also known for his research & writing on mouth breathing based on his observations. Native American mothers instill nasal breathing as a habit on infants by closing their mouths when sleeping.
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6) He received two honors: National Rivers Hall of Fame, inducted 2001 & Luzerne County Arts & Entertainment Hall of Fame, inducted 2023. His 1834 painting was in HBO drama series, ‘Watchmen.’
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