Lot 170

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Description:

Edward S. Curtis
(1868 - 1952)
Geronimo - Apache, 1905
platinum print
Signed, in black ink at lower right on print recto: Curtis
Copyright blind stamp, lower left on print recto (pointed ends): COPYRIGHTED 1905 & ©E.S. Curtis Seattle
In negative at lower left on print recto: 205-05

Negative Date: 1905
Print Date: 1905
Apache, Southwest
Unpublished

This is the quintessential portrait of one of the greatest leaders and warriors in American history, taken by one of the greatest practitioners in the history of the photographic medium. Powerful and compelling, it is arguably the single most important image from Curtis' thirty-year odyssey and the forty to fifty thousand negatives he created while photographing the North American Indian. Hundreds of notable portraits exist of Geronimo, yet this photo, perhaps more than any other, captures the dignity and representation of his Apache roots. The headpiece and staff the celebrated leader selected for this portrait were symbols of his cultural patrimony, worn with pride when in his community, and in defiance during his internment at Fort Still.

Lighting, composition, and subject matter all contribute to making this a great work of art that transcends both photography and the Native American subject matter. It is believed that only 6-10 examples of this highly sought-after Geronimo platinum print exist. In terms of condition and print quality, this is possible the finest example in existence. Chris Cardozo valued this print among the most important he ever collected, as an enduring work of art that still moves viewers over one hundred years after it was made.

Offered with its original frame.

    Provenance:
  • Edward S. Curtis Studio, Seattle
    Private Collection(s)
    The Christopher G. Cardozo Collection, 2005

    Publication History - Image:
    Edward S. Curtis One Hundred Masterworks, Delmonico Books/Prestel Publishing, 2015, Page 39
  • Dimensions:
  • 15 5/8 x 11 9/16 in. (39.69 x 29.37 cm.), Frame: 29 x 24 1/2 x 2 in. (73.66 x 62.23 x 5.08 cm.)
  • Artist Name:
  • Edward S. Curtis
  • Medium:
  • platinum print
  • Condition:
  • This print is in excellent condition overall. There is very minor, scattered historic retouching, only visible upon close inspection. There is minor, scattered surface rubbing, primarily at the margins and only noticeable in strong direct light. There is minor loss at upper and lower right print corners. There is minor chipping of the vintage board at the lower corners, and minor staining present at the lower margin edges on mount verso. The print recto is not affected. Mounted on vintage board.

    The condition reports for the lots offered by Santa Fe Art Auction (SFAA) are provided as a courtesy and convenience for potential buyers. The reports are not intended to nor do they substitute for physical examination by a buyer or the buyer's advisors. The condition reports are prepared by SFAA staff members who are not art conservators or restorers, nor do they possess the qualifications needed for comprehensive evaluation. Each condition report is an opinion of the staff member and should not be treated as a statement of fact. The absence of a condition report does not imply anything as to the condition of a particular lot. Buyers are reminded that the limited warranties are set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. Each lot is sold as-is.

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