In a one-story cottage in New Orleans in 1837 two strange figures faced one another. One was George Catlin, painter of Indians, contemporary and counterpart of famed Bird-Painter John James Audubon. For five years he had been living with Amerindians, studying their languages and ways, painting a comprehensive collection of Indian studies most of which are now in Washington's National Museum.
The other figure was a buxom octoroon woman in her 30's, wearing a high white turbanish mobcap, a bright embroidered shawl and a black silk dress. She was famed Marie Leveau,...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
