Sioux Camp Scene

  • Sioux Camp Scene pictures an Indian family group, their dwelling, and two horses illuminated by the setting sun. This version of the scene stands apart from related works in that the foreground is simply depicted and the background is emphasized. Miller situates the central figures against an impressive backdrop of snowcapped peaks and a cloudy sky, all veiled in an atmospheric wash. In other versions, Miller encircles the Sioux family with a hillside and trees in the middle distance, but here he exposes their camp to the prairie and mountains beyond. Similar depictions of this scene also include additional figures, but here Miller gives precedence to the family of three.

    Karen B. McWhorter

    Artist
    Alfred Jacob Miller
    Date
    Unknown
    Catalogue Number
    426D
    Medium
    Oil on Canvas
    Dimensions
    14 x 20 (35.5 x 50.8 cm)
    Accession Number
    0126.725
    Subjects
    Indians, Sioux Indians

    The artist; [?]; present owner