Description
Description of Edward Curtis's North American Indians
These striking photogravures are from the well-known
20-volume work entitled North American Indians by Edward S. Curtis
published from 1907-1930. Curtis was born in 1868 Wisconsin, and raised in
Minnesota. In 1887, he moved with his father to the pioneer city of
Seattle at a time when the North American Indian was losing home and society.
Later, his love of photography enabled him
to own the premier portrait studio in the city. Due to his proven talents,
Curtis was selected to photograph the Sun-Dance rituals of the Piegan people of
Montana. It was at this time that Curtis realized the great stories held
within the Native American people. His opinions were similar to most white
men of the time, feeling that many Indians had "no single noble trait [to]
redeem" them, and believing that adaptation to white men's ways would be the
only method of survival. However, through Curtis's chosen keynote photo
for the work, entitled "The Vanishing Race", which features several Navahos
entering a canyon and looking back wantonly, it is obvious that the he also
realized the greatness within their culture and traditions and was somewhat
saddened by the "necessary" degradation of their peoples. His conflicting
feelings continued, and the government's policies towards the Indians caused him
to respond with anger in his later years. The creation of this work took many years and hours
of dedication, and even drew the attention of President T. Roosevelt and
millionaire J. Pierpont Morgan. With Curtis's talents, Morgan's money, and
a large team of men behind the scenes, this work has achieved its status
as an indispensable guide to the history of the North American Indian.
The photogravures for sale here are from the 14th volume. Photogravure is a process in which a photographic image
is created from an engraving. The result is a print which has the
"subtlety of a photograph and the art quality of a lithograph." (http://www.curtis-collection.com/process.html) For extensive research on the work, please see this essay.
These fine images are on fine heavy paper that measures 9 1/2" by 12 1/4".