Edward S. Curtis, Plate 515, Chemehuevi House
Edward S. Curtis
1868-1952
Alternative Name
Edward Sheriff Curtis, Edward Curtis
Date
c.1924
Medium Specific
Copper Photogravure Plate
Edition / State
XV, Plate 515
Classification
Photograph
Dimensions
11 3/4 x 15 3/4 in. (29.8 x 40 cm.)
Accession Number
2021.35.10.220
Credit
Gift of Steven Kern and Ken Zerbe
Memo / Artist Statement
This collection is comprised of 33 copper photogravure plates from Edward S. Curtis’ monumental photographic and ethnographic project, The North American Indian. Published between 1907 and 1930, the twenty-volume, twenty-portfolio set contained more than 1,500 small-format photogravures. Each book was accompanied by a portfolio of 722 large-format photogravures created from copper printing plates. The plates in the C.N. Gorman Museum collection are from the California-based volumes XIII, XIV, and XV, first printed in 1923-1924.
In addition to the inherent object quality of these plates, it is important to note that Curtis spent more time editing the copper plates than any other format. Revisiting them over time, Curtis worked on the plates until he achieved his intended vision for the overall project. As such, the copperplates represent his final artistic vision.
In addition to the inherent object quality of these plates, it is important to note that Curtis spent more time editing the copper plates than any other format. Revisiting them over time, Curtis worked on the plates until he achieved his intended vision for the overall project. As such, the copperplates represent his final artistic vision.
Biography
Born in 1868, near Whitewater, Wisconsin, Edward Sheriff Curtis moved to Port Orchard, Washington in 1887. His interest in photography led to an investigation of the Native Americans living on the Seattle waterfront where his portrait of Chief Seattle's daughter, Princess Angeline, won Curtis the highest award in a photographic contest. In 1899, Curtis participated in the Harriman expedition to Alaska as one of two official photographers. After witnessing the Sundance of the Piegan and Blackfoot Nations, Curtis was inspired to document Native communities across North America. He devoted the next 30 years photographing and documenting over eighty tribes west of the Mississippi, from the Mexican border to northern Alaska. After completion of the book series, Curtis worked on a variety of films and motion pictures. After 1928 no significant work was produced before his death in 1952. (https://edwardcurtis.com/edward-curtis/curtis-biography/)
Date of Bio