In 1867, artist and retired Army General Seth Eastman was commissioned to paint nine works illustrating aspects of traditional Native American life for the House Committee on Indian Affairs. Eastman focused on the customs of the Santee Dakota, with whom he became familiar during his service at Fort Snelling in Minnesota. While buffalo hunting was a commonly seen subject in 19th century art, Eastman’s signature attention to detail sets this work apart. Specific depiction of the pad saddles that many hunters preferred, for example, gives the work the aspect of truthfulness that was desired by the committee.
