Description:

Edward S. Curtis
(1868 - 1952)
A Zuni Governor (Sat Sa, a Young Zuni Governor), 1900
platinum print
Signed, in black ink at lower right on print recto: Curtis
Copyright blind stamp, at lower left on print recto, faint (Pointed Ends): COPYRIGHTED 1900 BY E.S. CURTIS
In negative at lower left on print recto: 110-00

Negative Date: 1900
Print Date: 1900
Zuni, Southwest

This is one of Curtis' earliest, most compelling and most iconic portraits. It was made of an important leader ("Sa We Ta Fina") in the Northern New Mexico pueblo of Zuni (which is still famous for its beautiful pottery). The subject has an unusually focused and intent gaze, which is accentuated by his strong facial features, the strong, clean, and elegant composition and the dramatic lighting. This is clearly one of Curtis' most important portraits and it was printed by Curtis in at least five different print mediums for exhibition and/or sale.

    Provenance:
  • Edward Curtis Studio, Seattle
    Private Collection(s)
    The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 1999
  • Dimensions:
  • 15 7/8 x 11 5/16 in. (40.32 x 28.73 cm.)
  • Artist Name:
  • Edward S. Curtis
  • Exhibited:

  • Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian (64 print exhibit), 2004, Schumacher Gallery, Columbus, OH
    Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian (64 print exhibit), 2009, Crossman Gallery, Whitewater, WI (Curtis' birthplace)

    Publication History - Image:
    The North American Indian (1907-1930), Portfolio 17, Plate #607
    Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian, Simon & Schuster, 2000, Page 110
    Edward S. Curtis: The Great Warriors, Bulfinch Press, 2004, Plate 58
    Edward S. Curtis One Hundred Masterworks, Delmonico Books/Prestel Publishing, 2015, Page 20, 124, 163
  • Medium:
  • platinum print
  • Condition:
  • This print is in excellent condition overall. There is minor silvering at the upper margin edge of print recto, which is typical in Curtis platinum prints of this era. 1/4" x 1/8" loss repair at upper right margin edge, visible upon close inspection. There is minor, scattered historic retouching, visible primarily upon close inspection. There is a moderate stain at the lower margin edge, and minor surface soiling on the print verso. The print recto is not affected.

    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipping
The Santa Fe Art Auction does not provide in-house shipping services but we are happy to provide a selection of local third-party shippers. Buyers are required to provide written authorization by submitting a signed shipping release and waiver of liability form, included with our invoice, in order to release property to the third party shipper of Buyer's choice.

Santa Fe Art Auction

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000