135

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)

Chaiwa - Tewa, 1906

platinum print
Signed, in brown ink at lower right on print recto: Curtis
Copyright blind stamp, at lower left on print recto: COPYRIGHTED 1906 BY E.S. CURTIS
In negative at lower left on print recto: X1964-06

Negative Date: 1906
Print Date: 1906
Tewa, Southwest

This print depicts a young Hopi woman in traditional garb of heavy wool garments and multiple neck adornments. She wears her hair in a squash blossom style, indicating that she is not yet married. The lighting is strong and direct. It is a very early photograph, having been created in 1906. It has a delicate ink/signature on the recto. Curtis lived with and photographed the Hopi extensively. This print was included in the ground-breaking exhibition, "Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian", which traveled throughout Europe in the early 2000's. It is estimated that as few as 1 in 500 Curtis prints are platinum, making this vintage platinum print all the more desirable and rare. This print was created by hand in Curtis' Seattle studio, and may be unique.
7 3/4 x 5 5/8 in. (19.69 x 14.29 cm.)

  • Provenance: Edward Curtis Studio
    Private Collector(s) - Mary Vincent: Mary was the granddaughter (through marriage) of a couple who owned a trading post in Washington state. This print was gifted to them as Curtis was a frequent guest there and close to the owners. This print was gifted by the grandparents to their son and from him to Mary and her husband.
    Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 2006
  • Exhibited:
    Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian (95 print exhibit), 2000

    Publication History - Image:
    The North American Indian (1907 - 1930), Portfolio 12, Plate 414
    The North American Indian Republication Custom Edition, Christopher Cardozo Fine Art, 2014, Portfolio Volume 3, Plate 414
    The North American Indian Republication Reference Edition, Christopher Cardozo Fine Art, 2017, Portfolio Volume 3, Plate 414
  • Condition: The print and original mount are in very good condition overall. There is very faint, scattered surface rubbing, only visible in strong direct light. There is minor residual staining at the upper left corner. The mount has been trimmed. There is minor surface loss at the margins, and moderate paper loss at the upper left and lower right corners of the mount, visible on the recto only.

    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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June 26, 2021 10:00 AM MDT
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