Driving Buffalo Over the Cliff

"Driving Buffalo Over the Cliff" is a compelling genre painting that captures the dramatic and tragic act of hunting American bison, a vital resource for Plains Indians before their near-extinction in the late 19th century. The scene reflects the intense connection between Indigenous peoples and the bison, with elements of Romanticism evident in its focus on nature’s power and the human struggle within it. The painting subtly alludes to the devastating impact of U.S. expansion, habitat loss, and industrial-scale hunting, which nearly eradicated the species, disrupting Indigenous societies and traditional practices.