Description:
Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868-1952)
An Oasis in the Badlands, 1905. Signed "CURTIS" in black ink on the mount l.r., copyright blindstamp l.l. Platinum print, image/sheet size 5 7/8 x 7 3/4 in. (14.7 x 19.5 cm),unframed.
Condition: Tipped to paper mount, lifting at right edge; discoloration and minor wear to mount edges.
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 eighty tribes and made over 40,000 photographs.
Estimate $3,000-5,000
The edge wear is extremely minor. The toning is consistant and even.
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.
Keywords
Edward Sheriff Curtis, B. Edward Sheriff Curtis, J. Pierpont Morgan, United StatesRobin S.R. Starr
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Fine Photographs
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American & European Works of Art
The American & European Works of Art department brings years of experience, connoisseurship, and knowledge of art history to bear in every fine art appraisal, evaluation, and auction.