171

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)

Black Hair - Northern Plains Brave, 1905

platinum print
Signed, in brown ink at lower right on print recto: Curtis
Copyright blind stamp, at lower left on print recto: COPYRIGHTED 1905 BY E.S. CURTIS
In negative at lower left on print recto: 221-05

Negative Date: 1905
Print Date: 1905
Unknown, Great Plains
Unpublished

This is the stare and concentration of a young man about to enter a ritual religious and community experience that was at times forbidden by the U.S. government, but never lost to his people. His chest is painted in anticipation of a sacred dance, false hair strands are splayed at the top of the skull in Apsaroke tradition, and beaded head wrap and adornments fall in his peripheral sightlines.

This print exhibits what is referred to as a "transfer image" on the print verso, which would have been in direct contact with another print. The transfer image is caused by the catalytic activity of platinum. Generally, this occurs when a paper in contact with a photograph becomes discolored with a brown or yellow stain, which is an exact, positive duplicate of the photographic image. A transfer image can be created by either a pure platinum image or a platinum-toned silver print, and is formed when the discoloration of the paper is catalyzed or "speeded up" by contact with the platinum. The transfer image consists of those parts of the paper which are in a more advanced state of deterioration than the areas not in contact with the platinum. In other words, the naturally occurring yellowing of the paper from age is accelerated in those areas in direct contact with the platinum. The integrity of the platinum is not affected by this process.
15 1/2 x 11 7/16 in. (39.37 x 29.05 cm.)

  • Provenance: Edward Curtis Studio, Seattle
    Private Collection(s)
    The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 2016
  • Condition: This print is in excellent condition overall. There is a minor loss at the lower right corner. There is a minor variable density passage at the upper right margin edge. There are minor spots of surface loss, and staining from an historic adhesive on the print verso. Transfer image on print verso. There is hinging tape residue at the upper margin edge of 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.

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