Description:

Edward S. Curtis, 10 Unpublished "North American Indian" Contact Prints & Negatives Deaccessioned from Artist's Estate

A collection of negatives or internegatives, as well as contact prints, corresponding to original photographs taken by celebrated field photographer Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952), ca. 1900-1910. The pieces are related to Curtis's most famous project, the Morgan-commissioned publication of "The North American Indian." Comprised of five 8" x 10" sepia-colored prints of unknown date (presumed later reprints), and five 6.5" x 8.25" glossy films of the same prints of unknown date (presumed early if not original.) Ex-Estate of Edward S. Curtis; Ex-Morgan Library & Museum (New York, New York), dispersed ca. 1943; Ex-Fleury & Company (Seattle, Washington); Ex-Wayne Sverson (Brementon, Washington).

The lot is comprised of:

1. A group of five believed to be unpublished Curtis photo negatives or internegatives: one depicting a fur-clad harpooner; one depicting a standing man with eagle feather fan; one depicting an eagle dancer; one depicting a woman with horse in front of two tipis; and one depicting a group of men in canoes. The films have pin-pricked corners. Some with silvering and isolated wear. The film of the canoeing party is numbered and one edge is printed "Eastman Kodak."

An internegative is a duplicate of a photo negative made from the original which is consulted by the photographer to ensure reproductive quality, especially of colors.

2. A group of five contact prints depicting the exact scenes described above. Sepia-colored, matte surface.

"The North American Indian" was a multivolume work which was the result of years of field research undertaken by Curtis, as principal photographer, and anthropologist contributors who provided analysis and context for his photographs. Originally commissioned and funded by financier J. Pierpont Morgan, "The North American Indian" aimed to document fast-disappearing American Indian lifeways. It's estimated that Curtis took approximately 40,000 photograph of 80 different tribes of indigenous peoples. Curtis was also an accomplished ethnologist; he also collected wax cylinder recordings, early motion pictures, transcriptions, and field notes.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 30, 2021 10:30 AM EDT
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