Edward S. Curtis, American, 1868-1952, A Taos Girl, c.1905, ...

Hammer

£80

Edward S. Curtis, American, 1868-1952, A Taos Girl, c.1905, photogravure, from North American Indian, Vol. 16, plate 54, printed inscription A TAOS GIRL and From Copyright Photograph 1905 by E.S. Curtis, 22 x 16cm, framed and glazed - 40.2 x 33.3cm

Please note the vendor of the current lot is donating the proceeds of this sale to the Taos Pueblo Foundation.

Note: Curtis, an American photographer and ethnologist, dedicated much of his life and career to capturing and preserving the vanishing traditions and ways of life of Native American communities.  'The North American Indian', is one of the most expensive undertakings in the history of book production and one of the most comprehensive ethnographic records of the native tribes of North America.  Over the course of several decades, Curtis travelled extensively, visiting over 80 Native American tribes and capturing over 40,000 images. Curtis's photographs were not merely documentary in nature but aimed to convey the depth and richness of Native American traditions, ceremonies, and daily life. He often collaborated with his subjects, striving to represent them authentically while also romanticising their cultures in some instances. To complement his photographs, Curtis conducted extensive research and interviews, compiling information on Native American history, traditions, languages, and customs.  However, the project encountered financial and logistical challenges, and he ultimately completed only 20 volumes out of the planned 40.