VINTAGE CURTIS
CHRISTOPHER CARDOZO FINE ART
“It’s such a big dream, I can’t see it all.” —Edward S. Curtis
C HRISTOPHER C ARDOZO F INE A RT
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Alchisé - Apache Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio I, Plate 5 Negative Date: 1903 Print Date: c.1903 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.88cm x 45.72cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 10.63” (39.37cm x 27cm) Inv. #: CCI 3129 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,500.
This vintage photogravure is in overall excellent condition. There is a minor crease at the upper right, 1”(25.4mm) & lower left, .5”(12.7mm) corner. “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” blind stamp in left margin. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Dutch Van Gelder. This is an expensive, heavyweight, hand-made etching stock selected by Curtis for this project. The print has been professionally washed and de-acidified (a $300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Mixed-Blood-Coast Pomo Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi tissue Portfolio XIV, Plate 476 Negative Date: 1924 Print Date: c.1924 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.72cm x 55.88cm) Image Size: 15.56” x 11.44” (39.52cm x 29.06cm) Inv. #: CGC 1877b The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,850.
This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Print has a custom, hand-made facsimile overmat that is nearly indistinguishable from the vintage Van Gelder overmat. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Gampi (“tissue”). This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original etching stocks used by Curtis. Only J.P. Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the tissue edition. Tissue is noted for its subtlety, luminosity, and strength. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified ($300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: An Acoma Woman Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio XVI, Plate 572 Negative Date: 1926 Print Date: c.1926 Paper Size: 21 7/8” x 17 3/4” (55.56cm x 45.08cm) Image Size: 15 1/2” x 11 1/2” (39.37cm x 29.21cm) Inv. #: CGC 1874 The gallery retail for this photograph is $3,500.
This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Very minor 3”(7.62cm) crease at lower left margin corner. Minor 1/4” x 3/8”(.34cm x .95cm) surface abrasion at left margin. VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” watermark at right margin. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Apsaroke Medicine Tipi Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi tissue Portfolio IV, Plate 141 Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 11.75” (40cm x 29.8cm) Inv. #: CCI 1182 The gallery retail for this photograph is $6,500
The Apsaroke medicine-men usually painted their lodges according to visions received while fasting and supplicating their spirits. This huge lodge (approximately 18’ tall with 25’ lodge poles) was painted dark red, with an inverted crescent moon and a stylized prow style peace pipe adorned with feathers on the covering. Curtis stated that no Native person would so decorate his lodge without explicit instructions received in such a vision. This medicine-man’s importance is also evidenced by his extraordinary regalia: full war bonnet with eagle feathers, heavily beaded and fringed war shirt, and beaded leggings. This vintage “tissue” photogravure is in excellent condition. There is a very small surface depression at upper left corner of vintage overmat, that is visible only upon close inspection, and not effecting the print. Excellent print quality and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Apsaroke War Group Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio IV, Plate 147 Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Frame Size: 13.5” x 17.75” (34.3cm x 45cm) Image Size: 11.75” x 15.75” (29.8cm x 40cm) Inv. #: CCI 3221 The gallery retail for this photograph is $8,450.
This classic Curtis photograph depicts three warriors in the mountains of Montana. The two braves on the right wear beaded pants and various accouterment often worn by warriors. The warrior at the far right holds the curved staff of one of the tribal military organizations, which, at the height of a battle, was planted in the ground as a standard behind which the bearer was pledged not to retreat. The warrior on the left wears a full war bonnet with eagle feather, ermine, and horsehair dazzlers. All are riding bareback or in Native saddle and wear gypsum war paint. This composition is very unusual for Curtis in that the subjects on horseback are relatively close to the camera and fill much of the frame. This vintage “tissue” photogravure is in excellent condition. There are scattered, minor creases created when the print was professionally backed with archival gampi paper. Very minor, historic ink mark from original printing in lower left margin. Contemporary overmat. Excellent print quality and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Assiniboin Mother and Child Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio XVIII, Plate 632 Negative Date: 1926 Print Date: c.1926 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.7cm x 55.8cm) Image Size: 11.75” x 15.75” (29.8cm x 40cm) Inv. #: CGC 1878 The gallery retail for this photograph is $9,750.
Curtis portraits of mothers with their children are very unusual, particularly in a large format such as this. This lyrical portrait is set in the northern woodlands, as evidenced by the clothing and the poplar trees in the background. The mother is wearing a beautiful dress with a fully beaded yoke of traditional geometric designs. Her scarf is tied turban style, knotted in front. She wears strings of brass beads with occasional hawk bells interspersed. Her dress is made of leather, side sewn, and fringed. Her baby is swaddled in cotton cloth in a laced carrier. There is only one other large format Curtis mother and child photogravure that includes so much of the subjects environment and sense of context. This vintage “tissue” photogravure is in excellent condition. Watermark “Van Gelder Zonen Made in Holland” in lower margin of vintage overmat. Excellent print quality and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Black Belly – Cheyenne Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio XIX, Plate 671 Negative Date: 1927 Print Date: c.1927 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.38” (39.3cm x 28.9cm) Inv. #: CGC 1652 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000.
This original photogravure is in excellent condition. Watermark “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” in left margin. It is an excellent impression, a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Black Eagle - Assiniboin Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio III, Plate 101 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1904 Frame Size: 29” x 25” (73.7cm x 63.5cm) Image Size: 15.25” x 7.75” (38.7cm x 19.7cm) Inv. #: CGC 1394 The gallery retail for this photograph is $17,500.
Born in 1834 near the Missouri River in the Dakotas. Black Eagle was only thirteen when he first went to war and on his fourth war excursion he captured six horses of the Yanktonai. He was a fierce warrior and won many honors against various tribes on the Great Plains. Black Eagle also led war-parties three times, a great honor and distinction. Black Eagle as a respected elder, in his seventies in this portrait. He wears a large bison robe and carries a sacred wing of his namesake bird of prey, the eagle, with its long primary feathers curving gently inward. His unadorned hair and powerful gaze bespeak a seasoned warrior and important leader. This is a rare vintage Curtis proof print. This was the final state in the print mastering process before titling and other information was engraved into the copper photogravure printing plate. Well printed proof prints are desirable to knowledgeable collectors because of their rarity. It would be unusual to find more than one or two examples of any image as most proof prints have been lost or destroyed. This print has an illustrious exhibition history. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. Custom designed oak frame in excellent condition. It was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Canyon de Chelly - Navaho Medium: Silver Print, Gelatin Silver Print Negative Date: 1904 Print Date: c.1904 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - In negative at lower left corner, “Copyrighted 1904 by E.S. Curtis x1013” Original Mount Size: n/a Print Size: 8” x 9.88”(20.3cm x 25cm) Inv. #: CGC 1229
The gallery retail for this photograph is $16,500.
Canyon de Chelly (pronounced “de chay”, after the Navaho “Ta Shé”) to this day is one of the most sacred places for the Navaho peoples. It is located in Northeastern Arizona in the heart of Navaho country. Of Curtis’ 50,000 negatives this is widely considered to be his single most important and powerful landscape. The insignificance of man relative to nature is clearly illustrated through the sheer size (approximately 1,000 feet high) of enduring cliff formations that surround the riders. “Canyon de Chelly” was clearly one of Curtis’ favorite and most iconic images as he printed it in at least four different photographic processes. This print is a rare example. Curtis created the duo-tone border in the darkroom to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the image. It is estimated that fewer than 1 in 500 vintage Curtis prints were done in this time-consuming presentation, adding to its desirability for sophisticated collectors. The print itself is a beautiful, compelling object and it is one of only three Canyon de Chelly border prints that Christopher Cardozo has seen in his 38 years of collecting. This vintage gelatin silver print is in excellent overall condition. Very minor surface scuffing in left portion of image, and a very small water residue mark (0.06” x 0.06”) in left area of image, both visible only in direct reflected light; two minor areas of surface burnishing at the left border, not effecting print; historic graphite marking at extreme print margins; scattered, minor areas of historic re-touching; minor areas of surface loss at outer margins of the reverse side of the print, not effecting the reverse side of the print or image. There are minor adhesive remnants on the reverse side of the print, not effecting image/recto. None of the above detailed imperfections effect the overall print. Print quality is excellent.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Cheyenne Girl Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio VI, Plate 212 Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.72cm x 55.88cm) Image Size: 15.44” x 11” (39.21cm x 27.94cm) Inv. #: CCI 8080 The gallery retail for this photograph is $3,900.
This vintage photogravure is in overall excellent condition. There are two, very minor creases at the left margin of the print, 1”(25.4mm), visible upon close inspection. Watermark “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” in right margin of overmat. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Gampi (“tissue”). This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original etching stocks used by Curtis. Only J.P. Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the tissue edition. Tissue is noted for its subtlety, luminosity, and strength. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified ($300$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Chief of the Desert Medium: Platinum photograph Negative Date: 1904 Print Date: c.1904 Markings: Signature in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - In negative at lower left corner, “Copyright 1904 by E.S. Curtis x989” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, “Copyright 1904 by E.S. Curtis” Original Mount Size: 13.38” x 10.88” Print Size: 7.75” x 6.88” Inv. #: CCI 11051 The gallery retail for this photograph is $23,500.
This iconic Curtis portrait not only shows us this noble individual, but also the characteristic qualities of his tribe: pride, vitality, and self-reliance. This enduring image was a Curtis favorite, which he printed in a variety of photographic processes. This image has been widely reproduced and exhibited. Another platinum print of “A Chief of the Desert” was one of only two Curtis photographs in a major exhibition originated by the Victoria and Albert Museum, which was seen by over one third of a million museum- goers. Platinum prints comprise less than 0.5% of Curtis’ extant work and this rare platinum print has its original mount. Fewer than one in four hundred Curtis prints exist in this original form of presentation. It is believed that this print is one of three or fewer to exist in this presentation. This particular print has an important exhibition history and has been reproduced in numerous publications. This vintage platinum print on handmade paper is in excellent condition and has excellent print quality. There is scattered minor historic re-touching (as is common with vintage Curtis platinum prints), not effecting the overall image. Original ink signature remains crisp and strong.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Coups Well-Known - Apsaroke Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio IV, Plate 144 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 10.25” (40cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CCI 10214 The gallery retail for this photograph is $7,150.
“Born 1859. Mountain Crow; Fox organization. His name was given to him at birth. He received medicine of the buffalo bull from his father, Crazy Head, who obtained it from Chokopsh, a noted war-leader of a former generation.”- The North American Indian. This strong male portrait has an usually emotive expression, which evidences not only pride and dignity as he gazes in the distance.Aseasoned warrior, Coups Well-Known, was also a highly respected elder. This vintage photogravure is in very good overall condition. There is a very small paper loss (0.06”x0.03”-.15cm x .07cm) in the lower left portion of the print that has been visually minimized by applying watercolor pigment to the backing mount immediately behind the print. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Crow Eagle - Piegan Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio VI, Plate 201 Negative Date: 1900 Print Date: c.1900 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Inv. #: CGC 1624 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000.
This Northern Plains Indian smokes a prow style calumet (peace pipe) in the interior of a tipi. His clothing and ankle length moccasins are largely unadorned. His participation in the ceremony he is performing is the focus of this photograph. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Two very minor tears (0.13” and 0.06”-.33cm x .15cm) at the lower margin that have been professionally stabilized using wheat paste, very minor handling crease at the lower left margin edge, both visible only upon close inspection. Watermark “Van Gelder Zonen” in right print margin. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Dusty Dress - Kalispel Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio VII, Plate 238 Negative Date: 1910 Print/Casting Date: 1911 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11” (39.3cm x 28cm) Inv. #: CCI 6655 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,000.
This elegantly dressed young Kalispel woman is garbed in a cape ornamented with cowrie shells and ribbon edging. The braids of her waist length hair are wound with strips of otter fur, and an ermine pelt dangles from each braid. The bands of white on her hair are effected with white clay or gypsum. She is also wearing beautiful abalone disc earrings and a dentalium multi-strand shell choker. She has a necklace of pony beads with leather disk and ermine. She holds a large feather in her right hand. A beautiful portrait, rich in detail. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation. This vintage photograph has been with Christopher Cardozo Fine Art for over a decade, held for long-term investment. Edward Curtis is the most widely collected fine art photography in the history of the medium, and his work is found in major public and private collections internationally. He has also become the most widely exhibited. His work has moved viewers on every continent but Antarctica. He created an unprecedented body of work, which has won awards and accolades internationally. While the project nearly drove him into bankruptcy and cost him his health and family, today the aggregate value of the photographs he created exceeds one half of a billion dollars. Please see biography link above for further details.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Flathead Camp on Jocko River Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio VII, Plate 232 Negative Date: 1910 Print Date: c.1910 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.7cm x 55.8cm) Image Size: 11.88” x 15.75” (30.1cm x 40cm) Inv. #: CGC 1788 The gallery retail for this photograph is $8,450. The scene depicts a camp among the tall pines in western Montana, with the majestic Rocky Mountains rising abruptly in the background. The Flatheads, a small tribe, occupied a mountainous area in the cultural-geographic region commonly known as the Plateau. This intimate, dramatic camp scene with the massive pines, picturesque mountains, and luminous sky exemplifies Curtis’ fine and evocative landscape work. The beauty and luminosity inherent in this image are well realized in this photogravure on rare Japanese gampi “tissue” print stock. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Historic Van Gelder watermark in upper margin of vintage overmat. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Four Horns - Arikara Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio V, Plate 151 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 10.38” (40cm x 26.4cm) Inv. #: CCI 10219 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,200.
Four Horns was born in 1847 near Fort Berthold, and at the age of fourteen he accompanied a war-party against the Sioux. Later that summer he led a party in pursuit of Chippewa warriors who had murdered a Hidatsa. Twice he joined in successful pursuit of Sioux horse-raiders. He fasted several times. He participated in the Sun Dance numerous times. Four Horns married at the age of fifteen, being eligible to do so by reason of his experience in war gained during the previous year. This is an extremely unusual and evocative Curtis portrait as the subject is devoid regalia, visible clothing, and ceremonial objects. It is simply him and the camera, a testament to his strength and dignity. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
GREAT PLAINS CEREMONIAL TRIPTYCH
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Prayer to the Mystery Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio III, Plate 91 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (54.61cm x 45.40cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 10.25” (40cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CCI 10265 The gallery retail for this photograph is: $6,500 The subject is performing a sacred ceremony, and seeks guidance from the spirits. He offers a prow style calumet (peace pipe) with a wooden stem and design work and embellishment to the Mystery. He wears a simple breach cloth. In front of him is a buffalo skull representing the animals upon which his people are so dependent. The skull is draped with an eagle feather. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. The upper margin has been trimmed 0.5”(1.2cm). There are three, small (2.5”(6.3cm)) creases at the upper margin edge, not effecting the image. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Invocation - Sioux Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio III, Plate 109 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (54.61cm x 45.40cm) Image Size: 15.88” x 10.25” (40.3cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CCI 1149 The gallery retail for this photograph is $6,500. The subject is performing a sacred spiritual rite invoking the Great Spirit. He wears multiple feathers, a simple breach cloth, and his long pigtails are wrapped and have decorative extensions. He holds a simple wood stemmed, prow style peace pipe with a beaded drop and long fringe extensions. In front of him are numerous sacred objects, including a rawhide quiver and arrows, a wing fan, and a fringed bison hump shield. His moccasins are fully beaded. He is standing in a power place, a location with special powers. Medicine men and warriors used this particular area for generations to seek power and wisdom. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. Very minor crease at the extreme edge of lower left print margin, not effecting image area. Minor discoloration at the lower margin of the vintage overmat. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: The Sun Dancer Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio III, Plate 83 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (54.61cm x 45.40cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 10.25” (40cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CCI 10265 The gallery retail for this photograph is: $7,800. This medicine man (probably Slow Bull) is performing in a spiritual ceremony wherein he calls the eagle spirits. He uses a whistle made from an eagle wing bone. He wears a single eagle feather with a dazzler on top. He has a loose, fringed breach cloth (“clout”) and gypsum paint on his cheeks. He seeks spiritual guidance regarding his future. This vintage photogravure and overmat are in excellent condition. It is an excellent, rich impression and a fine example of the photogravure process on rare gampi tissue. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. The gallery retail for the group of photographs is $19,300.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Gambler - Piegan Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio VI, Plate 194 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.88cm x 45.72cm) Image Size: 15.56” x 10.31” (39.52cm x 26.18cm) Inv. #: CCI 4199 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,000.
This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Watermark “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” in left margin. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Dutch Van Gelder. This is an expensive, heavyweight, hand-made etching stock selected by Curtis for this project. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified (a $300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Group of Winter Dancers - Qagyuhl Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio X, Plate 348 Negative Date: 1914 Print Date: c.1914 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.72cm x 55.88cm) Image Size: 11.31” x 15.38” (28.72cm x 39.06cm) Inv. #: CCI 1462 The gallery retail for this photograph is $3,900. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Watermark, “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” in upper margin of vintage overmat. Ink stamp, “Bangor Public Library Bangor, Maine” on mount verso. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Gampi (“tissue”). This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original etching stocks used by Curtis. Only J.P. Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the tissue edition. Tissue is noted for its subtlety, luminosity, and strength. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified ($300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Honovi Walpi Snake Priest, With Totokya Day Painting Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio XII, Plate 408 Negative Date: 1921 Print Date: c.1921 Paper Size: 21 1/16” x 18 1/4” (53.49cm x 46.35cm) Image Size: 15 1/2” x 10 3/4” (39.37cm x 27.30cm) Inv. #: CGC 1401 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,200.
This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. It has a custom, hand-made facsimile overmat that is nearly indistinguishable from the vintage Van Gelder overmat. Very good ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on J apanese Gampi (“tissue”). This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original etching stocks used by Curtis. Only J.P. Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the tissue edition. Tissue is noted for its subtlety, luminosity, and strength. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified (a $300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Hopi Man Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio XI, Plate 420 Negative Date: 1904 Print Date: c.1904 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (45.72cm x 55.88cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.38” (39.3cm x 29.8cm) Inv. #: CGC 97,499 The gallery retail for this photograph is $22,750.
This is a beautiful vintage tissue photogravure of this early, compelling, and iconic portrait by Edward Curtis. The power and immediacy of this portrait is deepened by the strength and intensity of the subject, who gazes intently and directly into the camera. The simplicity of the composition, the lighting, and the subject’s garb make this arresting portrait even more compelling. This is one of Curtis’ most famous and sought-after portraits. It is printed in the photogravure process and is on the rare “tissue” (Japanese gampi paper) printing stock. Tissue photogravures are prized by connoisseurs for their luminosity and sharp resolution. While beautiful and delicate, tissue photogravures have great strength and durability. Because original purchasers had to pay a premium for a tissue impression, it is estimated that only 10-15% of Curtis’ photogravures were made on this rare hand-made paper. J.P. Morgan, Edward Curtis, and The King of England were among the few who opted for these premium tissue prints. This vintage photogravure and overmat are in excellent condition. It is an excellent, rich impression and a fine example of the photogravure process on rare gampi “tissue” paper. Watermark “Van Gelder Zonen Made in Holland” in right margin of vintage overmat. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Hopi Mother Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio XII, Plate 403 Negative Date: 1921 Print Date: c.1921 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 10.25” (39.3cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CGC 1407 The gallery retail for this photograph is $9,750.
Curtis’ photographs of mothers with their child are scarce and highly sought-after, especially in this large format (15.5” x 10.25”.) This vintage photogravure on rare handmade gampi “tissue” print stock, is elegant in its simplicity as well as its tender depiction of a mother carrying her small son. She wears garments traditional for Hopi woman: an undyed cotton robe, which passed under the left arm and was fastened above the right shoulder with the edges overlapping at the right side, and an embroidered wool belt. Arms and lower legs were unadorned. This portrait is unusual in the utter simplicity of the clothing, the background, and the composition thus, allowing the viewer to be fully focused on the individual subjects and their relationship. This vintage photogravure and overmat are in excellent condition. It is an excellent, rich impression and a fine example of the photogravure process on rare gampi “tissue” paper. There is very minor cockling (waviness) at the print corners, typical of Curtis’ large format tissue prints, and primarily visible in raking light. Watermark “Van Gelder Zonen Made in Holland” in right margin of vintage overmat. This photogravure was professionally washed and deacidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Horse Capture - Atsina Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi tissue Portfolio V, Plate 170 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 11” (40cm x 28cm) Inv. #: CCI 1217 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,850. Born in Montana, in 1858. He was fierce warrior who achieved various honors in battle. Horse Capture wears a leather shirt with perforated designs and split sleeves. He carries his medicine bundle draped from his neck adorned with feathers. His brass bead necklace incorporates two large bear claws. His hair is elegantly braided and side-knotted and adorned with a number of feathers. His hexagonal barrel carbine is adorned with fringed leather. Horse Capture counted first coup at an early age. He married at the age of twenty-five. His tribe, the Atsina, commonly designated Gros Ventres of the Prairie, are of the Algonquian stock and a branch of the Arapaho. Among his descendants are a prominent Native American scholar and a widely respected curator. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. There are three very minor creases, (each approxomately 0.75”-1.9cm) at the left margin of image created when the print was professionally backed with archival gampi paper. Historic watermark, “Van Gelder Zonen”, in left margin of vintage overmat. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: In Black Canon - Apsaroke Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi tissue Portfolio IV, Plate 136 Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.7cm x 55.8cm) Image Size: 11.75” x 15.75” (29.8cm x 40cm) Inv. #: CCI 1177 The gallery retail for this photograph is $6,500
This original photogravure is in excellent condition. Very minor creasing at the corners of vintage overmat. It is an excellent impression, a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Kashhila - Wishham Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi tissue Portfolio VIII, Plate 283 Negative Date: 1909 Print Date: c.1909 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 11” (40cm x 28cm) Inv. #: CCI 1375 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,850.
This young Chinookan Indian of the Plateau gazes directly into the camera with an open expression. He wears his hair in a pompadour, has fur wrapped braids, a multi-stranded shell (“hishi”) choker with a large conch shell and brass center disc, a beaded buckskin shirt, and a ribbon and mirror-adorned fur sash/mantle over his left shoulder. He wears metal hoop earrings and an eagle feather. In all, an elegant portrait of a young Native American man. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. Shallow, minor 1” crease at lower left portion of image, visible only in raking light. There is minor adhesive residue in upper corners on the reverse side of the print. Watermark, “Van Gelder Zonen”, in left margin of vintage overmat. Excellent ink impression. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Kotsuis and Hohhuq - Nakoaktok Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio X, Plate 336 Negative Date: 1914 Print Date: c.1914 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.7cm x 55.8cm) Image Size: 10.75” x 15.25” (27.3cm x 38.7cm) Inv. #: CGC 1361 The gallery retail for this photograph is $17,500. “Kotsuis and Hohhug- Nakoaktok”- 1914. This is one of Curtis’ most important and classic images from the Pacific Northwest. The photograph shows two masked performers in the winter dance, each representing large, mythical birds. The huge wooden beaks were moveable and controlled by strings. The tribal groups of this area of British Columbia had a highly evolved material culture and extremely complex ceremonies and rituals. Their masks and ceremonial costumes are world renowned for their beauty and power. The evocative image offered here is a vintage photogravure, printed on an expensive, heavy-weight Dutch Van Gelder etching stock. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” watermark at bottom margin. Excellent ink impression. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Little Hawk - Sioux Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio III, Plate 89 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (54.61cm x 45.40cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 7.75” (39.4cm x 19.7cm) Inv. #: CCI 10263 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,550.
This portrait of Little Hawk, a Brule Sioux, exemplifies Curtis’ classic Pictorialist aesthetic. Curtis was not only a gifted artist and craftperson, he was also a noted art theorist. He adopted the Pictorialist aesthetic early in his career and wrote about the movement in journals of the day. To achieve the aesthetic impact he desired, Curtis narrowed this image to create a highly elongated format and softened the resolution and detail in the lower portion of the image. All this was done to minimize the documentary details and to emphasize the emotional and aesthetic aspects of this image. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. There is a very minor handling crease in the lower left corner of the print margin, not effecting the image area, visible primarily in raking light. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Medicine Crow - Apsaroke Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio IV, Plate 117 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 10.25” (40cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CGC 1375 The gallery retail for this photograph is $22,500.
“Medicine Crow” is a very stong, classic Northern Plains male portrait. Medicine Crow was a noted Apsaroke warrior from Montana. Curtis was particularly fond of the Apsaroke people as they had preserved the integrity of their culture and were fierce warriors and a proud people. The hawk fastened to Medicine Crow’s head is illustrative of the manner of wearing the symbol of one’s spirit guardian. The Apsaroke believed that all success in life was attributed to one’s spirit guardian and that spirit guides inhabited only the soul of a worthy persons. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Watermark “Van Gelder Zonen Made in Holland” in left margin of vintage overmat. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Nez Perce Brave Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio VIII, Plate 263 Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.75” (39.3cm x 29.8cm) Inv. #: CCI 7370 The gallery retail for this photograph is $6,500
This vintage photogravure shows a proud warrior of the Plateau in full regalia. He holds a full wing of a Snowy Owl (a bird which had great power and significance for Native Americans.) He wears a full war bonnet of eagle feathers replete with feathers of different bird species, a triple band of lazy stitch beadwork, and other details. An owl feather hangs in front of his right shoulder and coup feathers hang from his headdress. The brave’s long hair flows freely over his right shoulder to his elbow. As is typical with Curtis’ classic portraits, the composition is strong and simple, and the lighting compelling. Curtis focused closely on his subject to enhance the image’s power and elegance. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Watermark “Van Gelder Zone” in left print margin. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Nez Perce Brave Medium: Platinum photograph Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, Copyrighted 1905 by E.S. Curtis” - In negative at lower left corner, “243-05” Frame Size: 29” x 25” Print Size: 16” x 11.75”(aprx) Inv. #: CCI 111377 The gallery retail for this photograph is $65,000. This vintage platinum print shows a proud warrior of the Plateau in full regalia. He holds a full wing of a Snowy Owl (a bird which had great power and significance for Native Americans.) He wears a full war bonnet of eagle feathers replete with feathers of different bird species, a triple band of lazy stitch beadwork, and other details. An owl feather hangs in front of his right shoulder and coup feathers hang from his headdress. The brave’s long hair flows freely over his right shoulder to his elbow. As is typical with Curtis’ classic portraits, the composition is strong and simple, and the lighting compelling. Curtis focused closely on his subject to enhance the image’s power and elegance. This is a stunning platinum print and one of only two to three platinum prints believed to exist of this image. The Nez Perce occupied lands in various parts of the Great Plains and the Plateau. They lived in Minnesota, the Black Hills, Colorado, Nebraska and later in Montana and Eastern Washington. Their last great leader was Chief Joseph who is still remembered by his famous speech, which ended with the words “I will fight no more forever.” This brave also wears an unusually large breastplate made with bone and brass trade beads. Platinum prints of this image are extremely rare and it is believed that only three or four large format examples exist. This vintage platinum print is in excellent overall condition. Some minor imperfections not effecting overall print quality. e.g. minor, scattered soiling only at high points of the surface (typical of many of Curtis prints of this vintage), minor historic re-touching, visible only upon close inspection, and a few scattered shiny areas of surface burnishing at the print margins, visible only upon close inspection. Print quality is excellent and signature remains strong and crisp. Contemporary custom designed, quarter-sawn oak frame is in excellent condition.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Night Scout – Nez Perce Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio VIII, Plate 260 Negative Date: 1910 Print Date: c.1910 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 10.38” (39.3cm x 26.4cm) Inv. #: CCI 7368 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000. This original photogravure is in excellent condition. Very minor handling crease at lower right of image, visible only upon close inspection. Watermark “VAN GELDER ZONEN” in left margin. It is an excellent impression, a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: An Oasis in the Badlands - Sioux Medium: Platinum Print Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Markings: Signed in wax pencil at lower right corner, “Curtis” In negative at lower left corner, “x1450-05” Print Size: 6” x 7.5”: (15.2cm x 19cm) Inv #: CGC 97554 The gallery retail for this photograph is $15,000. This classic Curtis image was made in the heart of the Badlands of South Dakota. The subject is Red Hawk, the Dakota sub-chief who was born 1854. He participated in his first war party in 1865, with Crazy Horse, against U.S. army troops. He was a fierce warrior and ultimately engaged in 20 battles, including the Custer fight in 1876. Red Hawk is majestic as he sits astride his white stallion, while it drinks from a small pool on a vast prairie in the Badlands. He wears a full war bonnet of eagle feathers, a beautifully beaded and fringed war-shirt, beaded leggings, and heavily beaded moccasins. He carries a carbine and his horse wears large eagle feathers both on its mane and forelock. The image and the subject project an unusual combination of strength and calmness in the dramatic, iconic landscape. This print is made in the platinum photographic process. Curtis’ platinum prints are considered his highest form of expression and comprise well under half of one percent of extant Curtis prints. This lyrical image is widely considered to be Curtis’ most important and beautiful Great Plains landscape. The compelling composition and subject matter still make this one of Curtis’ most sought-after images, over one hundred years after it was made. This platinum print is in excellent condition and has a light, open, luminous tonality and has an extremely rare wax pencil signature. Curtis platinum prints are rare, comprising less than half of one percent of extant Curtis prints. This vintage photograph is from the personal collection of Christopher Cardozo (“The Christopher G. Cardozo/ Edward S. Curtis Collection”) This vintage platinum print is on double-weight, textured handmade paper and is in excellent condition. Print quality is excellent. Extremely minor, scattered soiling at the high points of the surface texture, visible only upon close inspection. Minor evidence of original adhesive on the reverse side of the print, not affecting the print itself. Print quality is excellent and print retains the very rare wax pencil, original ink signature that remains crisp and strong.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: An Oasis in the Badlands - Sioux Medium: Gelatin Silver-border Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” Print Size: 7.63” x 9.5”(19.4cm x 24.1cm) Inv. #: CGC 97503 The gallery retail for this photograph is: $18,000
This gelatin silver print is an extremely rare “Border Print”. Curtis created the toned borders in the darkroom as an aesthetic element to enhance the print presentation. The duo-tone border is integrated with the image on a single sheet of photographic paper. It is estimated that fewer than 1 in 500 vintage Curtis prints are Border prints. Curtis rarely made exhibition quality silver prints, adding to the rarity and desirability of this photograph. This iconic Curtis image was made in the heart of the Badlands of South Dakota. The subject is Red Hawk, the Dakota sub-chief who was born 1854. He participated in his first war party in 1865, with Crazy Horse, against U.S. army troops. He was a fierce warrior and ultimately engaged in 20 battles, including the Custer fight in 1876. Red Hawk is majestic as he sits astride his white stallion, while it drinks from a small pool on a vast prairie in the Badlands. He wears a full war bonnet of eagle feathers, a beautifully beaded and fringed war-shirt, beaded leggings, and heavily beaded moccasins. He carries a carbine and his horse wears large eagle feathers both on its mane and forelock. The image and the subject project an unusual combination of strength and calmness in the dramatic, iconic landscape. This is one of the warmest, richest prints of this iconic image known to exist. This image has appeared in numerous Curtis books and has been exhibited internationally. This vintage photograph is from the personal collection of Christopher Cardozo (“The Christopher G. Cardozo/ Edward S. Curtis Collection”) This vintage gelatin silver print is printed on double-weight paper and is in excellent condition. Very minor anomalies/rubbing in borders of print, not effecting image area (typical of gelatin silver print of this era) and scattered, minor historic re-touching (all visible only upon close inspection.) Historic adhesive remnants on the reverse side of the print, not effecting image/recto. The original ink signature remains crisp and strong. This is one of the warmest, richest, and most beautiful impressions of this iconic Curtis image known to exist.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: An Oasis in the Badlands - Sioux Medium: Platinum Print, Handcolored Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Markings: stamped, Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, “Copyrighted 1905 by E.S. Curtis” Print Size: 11.75” x 15.5”(29.8cm x 39.3cm)*Aprx. Frame Size: 25” x 29”(63.5cm x 73.7cm) Inv. #: CGC 4686 The gallery retail for this photograph is: $28,500 This is an extremely rare, hand-colored Curtis platinum print. Best estimates are that as fewer than one in ten-thousand vintage Curtis prints are hand-colored. Clearly great care was used in creating this unique work and the presence of Curtis’ signature shows that it was intended for sale or exhibition. The hand-coloring media are a mixture of pigment and wash, all evidencing hand-brush work. This iconic Curtis image was made in the heart of the Badlands of South Dakota. The subject is Red Hawk, the Dakota sub-chief who was born 1854. He participated in his first war party in 1865, with Crazy Horse, against U.S. army troops. He was a fierce warrior and ultimately engaged in 20 battles, including the Custer fight in 1876. Red Hawk is majestic as he sits astride his white stallion, while it drinks from a small pool on a vast prairie in the Badlands. He wears a full war bonnet of eagle feathers, a beautifully beaded and fringed war-shirt, beaded leggings, and heavily beaded moccasins. He carries a carbine and his horse wears large eagle feathers both on its mane and forelock. The image and the subject project an unusual combination of strength and calmness in the dramatic, iconic landscape. This lyrical image is widely considered to be Curtis’ most important and beautiful Great Plains landscape. The compelling composition and subject matter still make this one of Curtis’ most sought-after images, over one hundred years after it was made. This 12” x 16” hand-colored platinum print is in excellent condition and it is not believed that another hand-colored print has ever been offered at auction. Indeed, this may be the only example that exists. This vintage photograph is from the personal collection of Christopher Cardozo (“The Christopher G. Cardozo/ Edward S. Curtis Collection”) This vintage hand-colored platinum print, on heavyweight, textured paper, is in excellent overall condition with excellent print quality. Small surface anomalies/discoloration near margin, not affecting the overall print and visible only upon close inspection. Contemporary custom designed quarter-sawn oak frame in excellent condition.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Ogalala Girls Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio III, Plate 96 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 21 1/2” x 17 7/8” (54.61cm x 45.40cm) Image Size: 15 9/16” x 11 7/16” (39.52cm x 29.05cm) Inv. #: CGC 97722 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. There is a minor, 3”(7.6cm) crease at the upper right margin edge. There are a few very minor handling marks in margin & image, visible only in raking light. Ink stamp “The North American Indian, Inc. 437 Fifth Avenue. New York City” on verso. Excellent ink impression. This unique Edward. S. Curtis print was part of a small collection created specifically for one of Curtis’ most prominent and important representatives. The representative, and original owner of this collection, Col. Henry Harrison Sheets, a direct descendant of two U.S. presidents (Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Harrison), was a notable figure in his own right.(Google HH Sheets for further information) Sheets used this print as part of a small collection when making personal, high-level presentations to prospective subscribers to Curtis’ magnum opus, The North American Indian. Because the subscriptions were the lifeblood of the twenty-five year publishing project, clearly Curtis and Sheets would have used great care in selecting this print. This print was purchased directly from the family in 2005. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive hand-made paper selected by Curtis and noted for its hard surface and fine resolution. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified (a $300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Okuwa-Tse (“Cloud Yellow”) – San Ildefonso Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio XVII, Plate 582 Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Paper Size: 21 7/8” x 18 1/16” (55.56cm x 45.87cm) Image Size: 15.63” x 11.63” (39.7cm x 29.54cm) Inv. #: CCI 7456 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,500. This vintage photogravure is in overall excellent condition. Minor handling marks at the bottom margin. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive hand-made paper selected by Curtis and noted for its hard surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock is very resistant to contamination and wear and rarely requires conservation. This print will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Placating the Spirit of a Slain Eagle - Assiniboin Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio XVIII, Plate 634 Negative Date: 1926 Print Date: c.1926 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.5” (39.3cm x 29.2cm) Inv. #: CCI 4613 The gallery retail for this photograph is $7,500. This powerful portrait of a Northern Plains subject shows him performing a ceremony for a slain eagle. The eagle has great significance and power for Native Americans. Among other things, it symbolizes strength, endurance and vision. Their feathers, beaks, talons and wing bones were used as ornaments, fetishes and ceremonial objects. After an eagle was slain a rather elaborate ceremony took place over the eagle’s body to placate the eagle spirits, as is depicted in this photograph. Eagles were believed to have been chosen by the creator to be masters of the skies and messengers to other creatures. The subject holds a golden eagle in his left hand and a ceremonial rawhide rattle with fringe in his right hand. He wears a bear claw and tooth necklace, with a full set of claws and four incisors. A deerskin blanket covers his legs. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. There is a narrow, shallow crease near the lower right margin (approximately 9”(22.8cm) in length), primarily visible in raking light. There is a 2” crease at the upper right corner of the margin Neither effects image. There are minor areas of paper loss at the upper and lower margins on the reverse side of print, presumably from hinging tape removal. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Porcupine - Cheyenne Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio VI, Plate 216 Negative Date: 1910 Print Date: c.1910 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.88cm x 45.72cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.75” (39.37cm x 29.85cm) Inv. #: CCI 8388 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000. This vintage photogravure is in overall excellent condition. There are two minor areas of surface abrasion at the center, left margin, .25” x .38”(6.35mm x 9.65mm) & .13”x.13”(3.3mm x 3.3mm) diameter and a minor, .38”(9.65mm) tear at the right margin edge that has been stabilized with wheat paste. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Dutch Van Gelder. This is an expensive, heavyweight, hand-made etching stock selected by Curtis for this project. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified (a $300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Sioux Girl Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio III, Plate 97 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.63” x 10.25” (39.7cm x 26cm) Inv. #: CGC 97723 The gallery retail for this photograph is $6,500
This is a compelling, evocative portrait and is unusual for Curtis; he rarely made full length portraits, and then, almost never seated. Curtis’ portraits of women are less prevalent than those of men. There perhaps is no other female portrait that illustrates such extensive beadwork. She wears a full-length deerskin dress with fringe work across the entire bottom. The large dress yoke is extremely heavily beaded in traditional geometric designs. She has a large, fully beaded and fringed pipe bag. Her calf-high moccasins are also heavily and fully beaded. A six-panel bone hair pipes with leather spacers, complement her dress. In all, this is a very beautiful portrait of a Sioux maiden, displaying great wealth and status in an elegant, beautifully lit portrait. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. There are three minor creases in the upper portion of the image and one minor crease in the lower portion of the image, visible only in raking light. There are two minor areas of surface burnishing, in upper portion of image. There is minor cockling (waviness) at the right print margin. Ink stamp “The North American Indian, Inc. 437-5th Avenue, New York City.” on print verso. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. Please see provenance section for important information. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis
Title: Slow Bull –Medicine Man Medium: Platinum photograph Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - In negative at lower left corner, “520-07” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, “Copyrighted 1907 by E.S. Curtis” Original Mount Size: 16.5” x 12.25” Print Size: 16.13” x 12” Inv. #: CGC 1675 The gallery retail for this photograph is $65,000.
This beautiful, rare vintage platinum print is one of the greatest and most revered tribal leaders of the Northern Plains; Slow Bull. The print is on an expensive double- weight, textured hand-made paper. Slow Bull was born in 1844, joined his first war-party at fourteen, with Chief Red Cloud, against the Apsaroke. Engaged in fifty-five battles with Apsaroke, Shoshoni, Ute, Blackfeet, Pawnee and Kutenai. Struck seven first coups. At seventeen he captured one hundred and seventy horses from Apsaroke. In the same year he received medicine from buffalo while he slept on a hilltop, not fasting, but resting from travel on the warpath. Counted two honors in one fight, when the Lakota charged an Apsaroke camp and were routed. According to Curtis experts this may be the only extant platinum print of this image known to exist, and as such, is extremely desirable for a sophisticated collector. This vintage platinum print is in excellent overall condition. Very minor, scattered soiling only at the high points of surface texture, typical of many Curtis platinum prints of this vintage. Minor silvering at the extreme lower and left margins of the print (from historic toning materials). Print quality is luminous and open and original ink signature remains strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Snake Priest Medium: Gold-toned Printing-Out-Paper print Negative Date: 1900 Print Date: c.1900 Markings: In negative at lower left corner, “Copyright 1900 by E.S. Curtis 97” Original Mount Size: n/a Print Size: 16.25” x 11.75” Inv. #: CGC 1541 The gallery retail for this photograph is $25,000.
This compelling portrait was made by Edward Curtis in 1900, his first year of serious work on the North American Indian project. This print is in the extremely rare gold-toned printing-out-paper process. It is estimated that only about 1 in 10,000 of Curtis’ extant prints are in this form. The gold-toned printed out paper prints have extremely fine resolution and a unique reddish sepia hue. This snake priest is a member of the Antelope fraternity (as indicated by the white markings in his arms) and his dress shows that he is about to perform in one of the final days of the Snake dance, an extremely important Hopi ceremony. He wears a large and complex array of necklaces, which include “hishi” (shell) beads, silver conchos, cast medallions, and various accents. He holds eagle feathers and wears a large fetish headdress with many dazzlers. He also wears graduated “hishi” drop earrings and has two-strand leather armbands. He has painted designs on his breach cloth. He is clearly an individual of very high status. This is an extremely early Curtis print from among the earliest of 40-50,000 negatives he produced over the thirty-year project. It is believed to be one of only two to three gold-toned printing-out-paper prints of this compelling image. This print has an important exhibition history and the image has been widely reproduced in book form. This vintage gold-toned printing-out-paper print is in fair condition. Curtis’ goldtone printing out paper prints are extremely rare (approximately 1 in 10,000 of his extant prints) and, because the paper is thin and delicate, often evidence many imperfections. This print has been professionally conserved to consolidate numerous creases, some scattered tears and emulsion loss or damage. Historic damage is minimally visible in most light when print is framed. This print has an illustrious exhibition history as it has been exhibited in two significant one person Curtis exhibitions, including one in Curtis’ birthplace. It is a warm, rich print with hues and tones unique to the rare gold-toned printing-out-paper process. Early original signature (on the negative) remains strong. Mounted onto contemporary board.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Son of the Desert - Navaho Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio I, Plate 132 Negative Date: 1904 Print Date: c.1904 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (45.72cm x 55.88cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.75” (39.37cm x 29.8cm) Inv. #: CGC 1383 The gallery retail for this photograph is $32,500
This is widely regarded as one of Curtis’ most compelling, evocative, and sought-after portraits. This vintage tissue photogravure brings an added depth and beauty to this early, classic Curtis portrait. Curtis’ portraits of children are relatively rare, a fact which makes this portrait even more desirable. It is printed in the photogravure process on the rare “tissue” printing stock. Tissue photogravures are noted for their luminosity and fine resolution. While beautiful and delicate, tissue photogravures have great strength and durability. Because original purchasers had to pay a premium for the tissue print, it is estimated that only 10-15% of Curtis’ photogravures were made on tissue. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Minor loss at the print corners has been consolidated. ‘VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” watermark at right margin of vintage overmat. Excellent ink impression. This print has been professionally washed and deacidified and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Spokan Camp Medium: Platinum Print Negative Date: 1909 Print Date: c.1909 Markings: Signed, stamped, Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, “Copyrighted 1909 by E.S. Curtis” Original Mount Size: 11” x 12.5” (28cm x 31.75cm) Print Size: 6” x 8”(15.2cm x 20.3cm) Inv. #: CGC 1466 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,500. This quiet encampment of five tipis sits on a narrow bench of land in the mountains high above the Spokane River, just above its confluence with the mighty Columbia River. The Spokan were a small group of Plateau Indians living in present day Washington and Oregon. As evidenced by this photograph, they were semi-nomadic , moving with the game and the harvest. The camp is surrounded by massive pines, reminding the viewer of the Native Americans close inter-dependence with, and reverence for nature. This beautiful, delicately printed small format platinum print retains the rich original ink signature and has a full, crisp original blindstamp. It is also on a beautiful original full, de-bossed mount. This may be the only platinum print of this image in existence. A fine object and beautiful example of Curtis’ aesthetic. This vintage platinum print is in excellent condition with minor creases at the margins of the vintage mount, not effecting the print. Print quality is excellent and original ink signature remains strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Tapa “Antelope Water” - Taos Medium: Platinum print Negative Date: 1905 Print Date: c.1905 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right. - Blindstamp at lower left, “Copyrighted 1905 by E.S. Curtis”. - In negative at lower left, “334-05” Curtis Print Size: 16.5” x 12.5”: (42cm x 31.75cm) Inv. #: CCI 111393 The gallery retail for this photograph is $55,000. This stunning portrait is of a young man from the Taos Pueblo, in northern New Mexico, wrapped in simple white cotton cloth. This was, and remains today, traditional dress for men in Taos Pueblo. This iconic Curtis photograph was produced as a small format photogravure (approximately 7”x5” image size) in The North American Indian. In this large format, it exists only in platinum print form. It is believed 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 portraits of Chief Joseph or “A Walpi Man”. This is an extremely beautiful example of this photograph: open, luminous, subtle, and warm toned. This vintage photograph is from the personal collection of Christopher Cardozo (“The Christopher G. Cardozo/Edward S. Curtis Collection”) This vintage platinum print is in excellent overall condition. There was an historic tear (1”-2.5cm) between subjects upper lip and nose that has been professionally consolidated and retouched by Paul Messier, LLC. Various minor print imperfections typical of large format Curtis platinum prints and not effecting overall print quality, e.g. several, minor areas of historic re-touching, visible only upon close inspection, historic adhesive remnants at the margins on the reverse side of the print, and very minor scattered areas of surface loss on the reverse of the print only, not effecting recto or image. Print quality is excellent and original ink signature remains strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Tearing Lodge - Piegan Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio VI, Plate 187 Negative Date: 1910 Print Date: c.1910 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11” (40cm x 28cm) Inv. #: CCI 10342 The gallery retail for this photograph is $9,750.
This is a majestic portrait of a respected Piegan warrior, Tearing Lodge. He was born in 1835 in what is now known as northern Montana. A wise elder, he was a valuable source of information for Curtis. The bison skin cap is a part of his war dress, and was made and worn specifically at the command of a spirit, and communicated in a ceremonial vision. The cap has eagle feathers on top and eagle-down in the front. His unshorn hair is worn loose and he wears a deerskin or horsehair robe. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. Minor area of cockling (waviness), common in tissue photogravures, in the right print margin, visible primarily in raking light. Historic “Van Gelder Zonen” watermark in the right margin of the vintage overmat. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: The Apache Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio I, Plate 7 Negative Date: 1906 Print Date: c.1906 Paper Size: 19.12” x 15.25” (48.56cm x 38.7cm) Image Size: 15.63” x 11.44” (39.7cm x 29.1cm) Inv. #: CCI 9325 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000.
This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Minor area of surface abrasion at lower print margin. The print was bound into a portfolio and as such has been trimmed(see important information in provenance). Has a custom, hand-made facsimile overmat that is nearly indistinguishable from the vintage Van Gelder overmat that Curtis used for photogravures on Japanese gampi. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Dutch Van Gelder. This is an expensive, heavyweight, hand-made etching stock selected by Curtis for this project. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: The Scout - Apache Medium: Silver Print, Gelatin Silver Print Negative Date: 1906 Print Date: c.1906 Markings: Signed, in ink lower right corner, “Curtis LA ©” Original Mount Size: n/a Print Size: 10.38” x 12.88” (26.4cm x 32.7cm) Inv. #: CCI 111,368 The gallery retail for this photograph is $13,000. This iconic Curtis photograph was made in the high mountains of Apache-land in Arizona. The lone rider, a scout, rides through the arid mountains surrounded by large yucca plants. He most likely is a member of the White Mountain Apache tribe, which occupied areas of southeastern Arizona. He wears a simple breach cloth and side-knotted headband and is riding bareback, as was the custom. The inclusion of a strong foreground plus the dramatic cloud formations in the background both isolate and emphasize the horse and rider. The strong backlighting further adds to the drama and the impact of the image. This rare gelatin silver print is in a form of presentation commonly known as a “Border” print. The duo-tone border was created in the darkroom to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the print. It is estimated that as few as 1 in 500 of Curtis’ prints were done in this way. Curtis rarely made gelatin silver prints for exhibition or sale, as is the case here, thus adding to their rarity and desirability. It is believed that five or fewer border prints of this image exist. This vintage gelatin silver print is in excellent overall condition. An irregular stain at the lower right corner of the outer border, not effecting the image; adhesive remnants at the upper margin on the reverse side of the print, not effecting image/recto; and scattered discoloration on the reverse side of the print, not effecting image/recto. Print quality is excellent and original ink signature remains strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: The Spirit of the Past - Apsaroke Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio IV, Plate 122 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 47.5cm) Image Size: 15.87” x 11.75” (29.5cm x 39.6cm) Inv. #: CCI 10515F The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,500. This unique Edward S. Curtis photogravure is a presentation print that was part of a small collection created specifically for one of Curtis’ most prominent and important representatives. The representative, and original owner of this collection, Col. Henry Harrison Sheets, a direct descendant of two U.S. presidents (Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Harrison) was a notable figure in his own right.(Google HH Sheets for further information) Sheets used this print as part of a small collection when making personal, high-level presentations to prospective subscribers to Curtis’ magnum opus, The North American Indian. Because the subscriptions were the lifeblood of the twenty-five year publishing project, clearly Curtis and Sheets would have used great care in selecting this print. This print was purchased directly from the family in 2005 and has never before been offered for sale. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Excellent ink impression.This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: The Vanishing Race - Navaho Medium: Platinum Print Negative Date: 1904 Print Date: c.1904 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - In negative at lower left corner, “Copyright 1904 By E.S. Curtis x884” Print Size: 12.5” x 15.88”(31.75cm x 40.3cm) Inv. #: CCI 10335 The gallery retail for this photograph is $35,000. This beautiful 12.5” x 15.8”(31.7cm x 40.1cm) platinum print is a superb example of this iconic image, and is printed in the most desirable process for this difficult negative. “The Vanishing Race” was Curtis’ signature piece. It was the visual metaphor for the core conceptual underpinning of Curtis’ entire thirtyyear project i.e., that Native Americans, as a culture at least, were vanishing. It became Curtis’ over-arching goal to create a record of them and their world before they disappeared forever. Curtis searched for an image to embody this idea for nearly four years before creating “The Vanishing Race”. A century ago, it was by far and away Curtis’ most popular single image. Today it still remains a highly sought-after classic. Most consider platinum to be the most beautiful and desirable of the several processes Curtis worked in and this is especially so for “The Vanishing Race.” Curtis’ platinum prints are rare and only one half of 1% of Curtis’ prints were created in this demanding and expensive process. Curtis used a complex and dangerous combination of ingredients to achieve the beautiful, exceptionally warm-toned platinum prints. This vintage platinum print is in excellent overall condition. Several passages of surface disturbance/paper loss on the reverse of the print, not effecting image/recto. Print quality is excellent. This vintage photograph has been with Christopher Cardozo Fine Art for over a decade, held for long-term investment.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: The Vanishing Race - Navaho Medium: Goldtone Negative Date: 1904 Print Date: c.1904 Markings: Signed in negative at lower right corner, “Curtis L.A. ©” Print Size: 11” x 14”(28cm x 35.5cm) Framed Size: 38.7” x 18.25” ( 31.75cm x 46.3cm) Inv. #: CCI 111495 The gallery retail for this photograph is $15,000. “The Vanishing Race” was Curtis’ signature piece. It was the visual metaphor for the core conceptual underpinning of Curtis’ entire thirty-year project i.e., that Native Americans, as a culture at least, were vanishing. It became Curtis’ over-arching goal to create a record of them and their world before they disappeared forever. Curtis searched for an image to embody this idea for nearly four years before creating “The Vanishing Race”. A century ago, it was by far and away Curtis’ most popular single image. Today it still remains a highly soughtafter classic.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Travaux – Piegan Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio VI, Plate 193 Negative Date: 1900 Print Date: c.1900 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.7cm x 55.8cm) Image Size: 11.88” x 15.75” (30.1cm x 40cm) Inv. #: CCI 4198 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,500. This original photogravure is in excellent condition. Very minor handling marks at upper & lower left corners. Watermark “VAN GELDER ZONEN” in lower margin of overmat. It is an excellent impression, a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Two Leggings - Apsaroke Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio IV, Plate 113 Negative Date: 1908 Print Date: c.1908 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (54.61cm x 45.40cm) Image Size: 15.63” x 11.75” (40cm x 30cm) Inv. #: CCI 6888 The gallery retail for this photograph is $6,000.
This strong, straightforward portrait is of a highly respected Apsaroke elder. He was adopted into the Tobacco society by Bull Goes Hunting, who gave him medicine (power.) He counted dakshe and captured a gun, a high honor. He also led two parties against the Hunkpapa Sioux, each time taking scalps. He captured fifty horses from the Yanktonai at Fort Peck, and with Deaf Bull led a party that brought eighty horses from the Teton Sioux. He wears gypsum war paint on his body and face. His choker and bracelet are made of pony beads and brass and disc and brass bead earrings adorn his ears. His hair is braided and in a pompadour. This image is all the more powerful and moving because of the subjects unpretentiousness, strength and presence. This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. There is a minor handling crease in lower left portion of the margin, not effecting the image. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Two Strike – Sioux Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio III, Plate 78 Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.75” x 10.75” (40cm x 27.3cm) Inv. #: CCI 7372 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,000. This original photogravure is in excellent condition. It is an excellent impression, a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and deacidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Typical Nez Perce Medium: Gold-toned Printing-Out-Paper print Negative Date: 1899 Print Date: c.1899 Markings: In negative at lower left corner, “Curtis Copyrighted 1899 15” Original Mount Size: n/a Print Size: 16.38” x 11.88” Inv. #: CGC 97548 The gallery retail for this photograph is $65,000. This is a classic, compelling, and very early Curtis portrait done in an extremely rare process: goldtoned printing-out-paper print. It is estimated that as few as 1 in 10,000 Curtis photographs were created in this beautiful printing process. Among sophisticated collectors, it is perhaps the most prized of all the photographic processes in which Curtis worked. The Nez Perce were a small and highly regarded tribal group who lived in the Plateau region of the west. Their leader, and Curtis’ friend, was the renowned Chief Joseph. The Nez Perce brave in this rare print obviously possessed great strength and dignity. His gaze is intent and direct. His unshorn hair is worn loose except for the traditional “pompadour” on top. He wears a simple shirt with shell or bone buttons; a fourteen-strand shell bead (“hishi”) necklace, with tiny brass bells in the outer strand; and a multi-color hishi choker. The patterns in the blanket draped over his right shoulder add an interesting aesthetic element to the image. All in all, this is one of Curtis’ most compelling and iconic portraits, in an extremely beautiful and rare process. It is estimated that four or fewer examples This vintage gold-toned printing-out-paper print is in good overall condition. This extremely rare Curtis gold-toned printing-out-paper print evidences various surface anomalies typical of the small body of Curtis’ gold-toned printing-out-paper prints that exist. There are various handling marks and minor tears. These do not distract from the immediacy and power of this rare object. Historic mounting remnants at the margins of the reverse of the print and on upper margin recto. Print quality is excellent and the signature (in negative) is strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Under the Palms - Cahuilla Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Gampi Tissue Portfolio XV, Plate 521 Negative Date: 1924 Print Date: c.1924 Paper Size: 18” x 22” (45.72cm x 55.88cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.75” (39.4cm x 29.8cm) Inv. #: CCI 1697 The gallery retail for this photograph is $3,250.
This original photogravure is in excellent condition. Ink stamp, “Bangor Public Library Bangor, Maine” on mount verso. Watermark, “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND”, at lower margin of overmat. Excellent ink impression. This original vintage photogravure is printed on Japanese Gampi (“tissue”). This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original etching stocks used by Curtis. Only J.P. Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the tissue edition. Tissue is noted for its subtlety, luminosity, and strength. This print has been professionally washed and de-acidified (a $300-$350 value) and will last for several hundred years, or more, if properly cared for.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Unpublished (Young Plateau Woman) Medium: Platinum Photograph Negative Date: 1907 Print Date: c.1907 Markings: Signed in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, “Copyrighted 1907 by E.S Curtis” - Blindstamp at lower left corner of original mount, “The Curtis Studio Seattle” Original Mount Size: 13.5” x 11.88”: (34.3cm x 30.2cm) Print Size: 7.5” x 5.75”: (19cm x 14.6cm) Inv. #: CGC 2437 The gallery retail for this photograph is $8,500. This luminous 7.5” x 5.75”(19cm x 14.6cm) platinum print may be unique. The image was not produced as a photogravure and this is the only example Christopher Cardozo has seen in his thirty-eight years of collecting. The negative is not known to exist, so this print may be the only evidence of that negative that survives. The beauty and luminosity of this platinum print combined with the fact that it is most likely unique make it very desirable for a sophisticated collector. This young woman wears a beautifully decorated cape over a full-length fringed and beaded buckskin dress. The cape has extensive beadwork and numerous cowrie shells adorning it. She wears massive bone hair pipes with hawk bells and a beaded headband. She holds a large owl feather and has beaded moccasins. This is a very unusual portrait for Curtis in that the subject is shown full-length and in the outdoors. It retains a strong ink signature and is on a rare, de-bossed original mount. In all, a highly desirable print. This vintage platinum print is in excellent condition. The original mount has small creases and minor paper loss at the lower corners, which do not effect the actual print. Print quality is excellent and the original ink signature remains strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Walpi Man Medium: Platinum photograph Negative Date: 1900 Print Date: c.1903 Markings: Signature in ink at lower right corner, “Curtis” - In negative at lower left corner, “Copyright 1904 by E.S. Curtis x989” - Blindstamp at lower left corner, “Copyright 1904 by E.S. Curtis” Original Mount Size: 15.125” x 10.5” Print Size: 15.125” x 10.5” Inv. #: CGC 97668 The gallery retail for this photograph is $125,000.
The “Walpi Man”- 1900, is an iconic Curtis portrait, aesthetically in the top one tenth of one percent of all of Curtis’ work. This 16” x 12” platinum print is beautifully printed and in excellent condition. It has a very pleasing warm hue and an open, luminous tonality. Platinum prints of this image are extremely rare and highly sought after. The image is highly evocative and illustrates the extraordinary connection Curtis had with many Native Americans. This image has been used for the cover of a major Curtis book, Sacred Legacy, and in exhibitions in over forty countries. Of Curtis’ 40-50,000 images, many consider this to be one of his most compelling. This is also one of Curtis’ most historically significant images as it was made during Curtis’ first independent, self-financed trips into the field, in 1900. Additionally, the subject is Hopi, a tribal group with whom Curtis was especially close. Included with the print is a substantially intact, rare original mount. This print is in overall excellent condition with slight darkening at the extreme edges of the upper & right margins. Very minor, scattered soiling at the high points only of the surface texture, which is typical of Curtis’ prints of this vintage. Minor, historic inpainting at the lower left corner. Verso shows minor, historic adhesive residue at the margin edges. Print recto is not affected. Excellent print quality.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Yellow Kidney - Piegan Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue Portfolio VI, Plate 196 Negative Date: 1910 Print Date: c.1910 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.63” x 11 (39.7cm x 28cm) Inv. #: CCI 1253 The gallery retail for this photograph is $8,450.
This strong portrait shows Yellow Kidney in full profile, bare shouldered, with elaborate garb. He wears a wolf cap (with tail, two eagle feathers, and smaller feather accents.) He wears disc earrings, a multi-strand bead choker, and a “hishi” (shell) multi-strand necklace. His hair is braided and wrapped, and he wears war paint on his shoulders. Overall a compelling and unusual portrait. This vintage photogravure is in excellent condition. Two very minor areas of discoloration in the lower corner of the vintage overmat. Historic “Van Gelder Zonen” watermark in the left margin of the vintage overmat. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. This original vintage photogravure is printed on handmade Japanese gampi (“tissue”) paper. This is the rarest and most expensive of the three original paper stocks chosen by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project. Only Morgan and a few others paid the substantial premium to get the rare tissue edition. Tissue prints are noted for their subtlety, luminosity, and strength. Gampi papermaking is a millennia old tradition in Japan and the art is often handed down within a family from generation to generation over hundreds of years.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: Zuni Girls at the River Medium: Photogravure, Dutch Van Gelder Portfolio XVII, Plate 610 Negative Date: 1903 Print Date: c.1903 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.88cm x 45.72cm) Image Size: 15.375” x 11.75” (39.05cm x 29.85cm) Inv. #: CGC 1875 The gallery retail for this photograph is $5,000.
This vintage photogravure is in overall excellent condition. Watermark “VAN GELDER ZONEN MADE IN HOLLAND” in print margin. Excellent ink impression. This original photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty. It is printed on a fine Dutch Van Gelder etching stock, handmade in Holland one hundred years ago. This is an expensive, heavyweight, etching stock selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan specifically for Curtis’ North American Indian project.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Zuni Governor Medium: Gelatin silver photograph Negative Date: 1900 Print Date: 1903 Markings: Signed in ink at lower left, “Copyright 1903 By ES Curtis” - On verso in pencil, “Sa ne ta Fina Chief” Print Size: 15.75” x 11”(40cm x 28cm) Inv. #: CCI 111391 The gallery retail for this photograph is $45,000
This is one of Curtis’ most compelling and iconic portraits. Made of an important leader (“Sa We Ta Fina”) in the Northern New Mexico pueblo of Zuni (which is still famous for its beautiful and stylized pottery). The subject has an unusually focused and intent gaze, which is accentuated by the strong, clean, and elegant composition and the dramatic lighting. This is, and was, clearly one of Curtis’ most important portraits and it was printed by Curtis in at least three different media for exhibition and or sale. This particular print, a toned gelatin silver print of exhibition size, is perhaps the very earliest known example of this image, most likely created shortly after the negative was made. The fact that this may well be the earliest print in existence of this iconic image makes it extremely important and desirable. In his thirty-eight years of collection Christopher Cardozo has not seen another print of the “Zuni Governor” that is similar to this one. This vintage gelatin silver print is in excellent overall condition. Print is mounted on historic board. Minor historic re-touching at print edges, not effecting overall image. The reverse of the mount shows historic discoloration, not effecting print. Print quality is excellent and the extremely early signature remains strong and crisp.
Artist: Edward S. Curtis Title: A Zuni Woman Medium: Photogravure, Japanese Vellum Portfolio XVII, Plate 614 Negative Date: 1903 Print Date: c.1903 Paper Size: 22” x 18” (55.8cm x 45.7cm) Image Size: 15.5” x 11.5” (39.4cm x 29.2cm) Inv. #: CGC 1876 The gallery retail for this photograph is $4,500.
This classic Curtis portrait is as unusual as it is striking. Its apparent simplicity and symmetry belie a complex and powerful image. The woman is carrying a stunning food vessel, as would be done for a feast after a ceremonial ritual. The stylized animal figures are typical of Zuni pottery, which in this case is supported on her head by a woven yucca ring. Today the Zuni are world famous for their beautiful pottery, which is collected internationally. This vintage vellum photogravure is in overall excellent condition. There are two minor handling creases, visible only upon close inspection, not affecting the image itself. This original photogravure is printed on Japanese Vellum. This is an expensive handmade paper specifically selected by Curtis and J.P. Morgan for Curtis’ North American Indian project and noted for its smooth surface and fine resolution. The Vellum stock, produced one hundred years ago, is very resistant to contamination and damage and rarely requires conservation.