178

Edward S. Curtis

(1868 - 1952)

Tapa "Antelope Water" - Taos [Ah Pao], 1905

large platinum print
signed lower right: Curtis
copyright blind stamp lower left: COPYRIGHTED 1905
in negative lower left: 334-05
negative date: 1905, print date: 1905

This is an excellent example of this stunning portrait, printed in the platinum process and presented on a large double mount. This iconic Curtis photograph was originally published as a small format photogravure (approximately 7" x 5" image size) in The North American Indian. It is estimated that only five or six of these large format platinum prints exist. It has always been very highly sought after as a platinum print, on a par with the portraits of "Chief Joseph" and "A Walpi Man". This is an extremely beautiful version of this photograph: open, luminous, subtle and warm toned.
16 3/8 x 12 1/4 in. (41.59 x 31.12 cm.), Mount: 22 5/16 x 18 in. (56.67 x 45.72 cm.)

  • Provenance: Edward S. Curtis Studio, Seattle
    Private Collection(s)
    The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 2005
  • Literature:
    The North American Indian (1907-1930), Volume 16, Facing Page 44.
    Sacred Legacy: Edward S. Curtis and the North American Indian, Simon & Schuster, 2000, p. 115
    Edward S. Curtis One Hundred Masterworks, Delmonico Books/Prestel Publishing, 2015, p. 85.
  • Condition: This print is in excellent condition overall. There is minor, scattered surface rubbing, primarily noticeable only in strong direct light. The vintage mounts are in very good to excellent condition overall. There are a few minor to moderate, scattered thumbtack holes at the upper and lower margin edges of the larger mount. There is minor loss at the lower corners of the larger mount. There is minor loss at the upper right corner of the smaller mount.

    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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November 6, 2021 10:00 AM MDT
Santa Fe, NM, US

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