Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868-1952) Canyon de Chelly

Description:

Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868-1952)

Canyon de Chelly, 1904. Signed "Curtis LA ©" in black ink in the image l.r., copyright credit in the negative l.l. Toned double border gelatin silver print, image size 5 1/2 x 7 5/8 in. (14.0 x 19.4 cm),unmatted, framed.
Condition: Small brown spot in the margin l.r., hinged to backing along top edge of sheet.

N.B. Edward Sheriff Curtis is best known for his Herculean effort to document the North American Indian through photographs and recordings of song and speech. As the western United States was developed, he endeavored to record the vanishing cultures of the land's original inhabitants, creating a body of work that at the time defined the country's popular vision of Native American culture. Curtis began his fieldwork in 1906 with the support of financier J. Pierpont Morgan, and by 1930 he had documented more than 80 tribes and made over 40,000 photographs.

Located in Northeastern Arizona, Canyon de Chelly was, and remains, one of the most sacred places for the Navajo. In one of Curtis's most iconic images, riders on horseback cross the desert against the dramatic backdrop of the canyon walls. This work is of particular interest because of its double border gelatin silver print format.
Estimate $3,000-5,000

Sheet measures 10 1/6 x 12 9/16 in. (25.6 x 32.0 cm). No additional issues to report.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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