Edward S. Curtis is arguably the most influential photographer of the American West. His work unquestionably ranks among that of the most important photographers of the 20th century.
Curtis was first and foremost; an extremely gifted and sophisticated artist whose work had the duality of being an incredible artistic creation at the same time as being a document of a people. He was uniquely able to create, out of whole cloth, a lasting vision of the American Indian that never existed before it was first seen through his photographic lens.
Edward Curtis produced images of the American Indian that convey a dignity, a universal humanity and a certain remaining majesty that transcend literally all other work ever done on the subject. In his photographs we see images that are uniquely able to stand alone in the world of photography.
Beginning in 1898 and continuing through 1928, Curtis dedicated his life to documenting the traditional lifeways and cultures of 128 American Indian tribes living west of the Mississippi River, from Alaska to the Mexican border.
Curtis was a genius of an artist possessed by a singular obsession to preserve the traditional lifeways of the American Indian.
Astonishingly, focusing all his immense talents over a staggering 30-year period, Curtis accomplished what he set out to do; he did save the traditional lifeways of these Native Peoples but at tremendous personal cost. It cost him his marriage, it cost him his health, and it cost him any possible financial stability he might ever have had.
In spite of all this, he persevered and left a body of work never to be equaled in the field of photography.
Find authentic Edward S. Curtis photography on 1stDibs.
(Biography provided by Bruce Kapson Gallery)
Edward S. Curtis Original Photogravure Mosa Mohave The North American Indian
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Studio City, CA
A wonderful and very coveted original large-format photogravure by iconic American photographer Edward Curtis (1868-1952) titled "Mosa Mohave" Of this image Curtis noted “It would b...
Wood, Paper
Edward S Curtis Original Signed Stamped Silver Border Photograph Prayer to Stars
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Studio City, CA
An original gelatin silver border photograph print by iconic American photographer Edward Curtis (1868-1952) famed for his North American Indian Portfolios. This work is titled "Pra...
Paper
Edward S Curtis, Autumn - Apsoroke, 1908
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Autumn - Apsaroke Plate: 130 Portfolio: Volume IV Printer: John Andrew & Son Medium: Photogravure Date: 1908 Edwar...
Paper
Chief Joseph by E.S. Curtis Gold Tone
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID
hief Joseph by E.S. Curtis. Centennial edition goldtone 22/200. Negative date 1908, printed date 1999. Pie crust frame. 11" x 14", frame 16" x 19" Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce is s...
Glass, Paper
A Hopi Woman, 1905
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis A Hopi Woman 1905 Photogravure Print 22 x 18 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #411, The North American Indian, on Japa...
Photogravure
East Mesa Girls, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis East Mesa Girls, 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #427, The North American Indian, on ...
Photogravure
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Shot in The Hand - Apsaroke, 1908
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Shot in The Hand - Apsaroke Plate: 133 Portfolio: Volume IV Printer: John Andrew & Son Medium: Photogravure Date: 1908 Dimensions: Sheet: W 15 5/...
Paper
Edward S. Curtis Original Signed Stamped Platinum Photograph Hopi Weaver, 1899
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Studio City, CA
An original platinum print on textured paper by iconic American photographer Edward Curtis titled "Hopi Weaver"(sometimes known as "The Weaver"). Curtis was famed for his work with the Native American peoples of the American West at the turn of the century. This image features a male Hopi elder weaving a blanket - an exclusively masculine occupation at the time. This platinum print is hand-signed in ink, blind-stamped with Curtis' embossed studio copyright stamp, and dated 1899. The negative number ("X 743") can possibly also be imperceptibly/faintly seen written by Curtis on the lower-left edge. The photo is mounted on a single, handmade lightweight paper typical of other mounted Curtis photos...
Wood, Paper
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Kutenai Girls, 1910
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Kutenai Girls Plate: 253 Portfolio: Volume 16 Printer: John Andrew & Son Medium: Photogravure Date: 1910 Dimension...
Paper
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Ambrosio Martinez – San Juan, 1905
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Ambrosio Martinez – San Juan Plate: 596 Portfolio: The North American Indians Volume 17, The Tewa, The Zuni Printer: : Suffolk Eng. Co. Cambridge ...
Paper
Edward S. Curtis Original Signed and Stamped Silver Toned Platinum Photograph
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Studio City, CA
An original platinum photograph on textured paper by iconic American photographer Edward Curtis titled "The Piki Maker" The photograph is hand-signed in ink, blind-stamped with Cur...
Paper
Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952) Scarce Sepia Photogravure Titled "Cree Boatwomen"
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sepia photogravure titled "Cree Boatwomen" depicting Native American women in boat on a lake. The photogravure is titled lower left "Cree Boatwomen". Printed under the photogravure "...
Acrylic, Wood, Paper
Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952) Scarce Sepia Photogravure Titled Tsipiai - Sia
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sepia photogravure titled "Tsipiai - Sia" depicting native women engaged in pottery making. The photogravure is titled lower left "Tsipiai - Sia". Printed under the photogravure "Fro...
Acrylic, Wood, Paper
Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952) Scarce Sepia Photogravure Titled "Zuni Pottery"
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Sepia photogravure titled "Zuni Pottery" depicting a collection of Zuni pottery on the ground set against a stone wall. The photogravure is titled lower l...
Acrylic, Wood, Paper
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Gambler Piegan, 1900
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Gambler Piegan Plate: 194 Portfolio: Volume 6 Printer: Proof print printed by John Andrew & Son Medium: Photograv...
Paper
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Shijako – Pima, 1907
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Shijako – Pima Plate: 47 Portfolio: Volume 2 Printer: John Andrew & Son Medium: Photogravure Date: 1907 Dimension...
Paper
Edward S. Curtis Rae Master Exhibition Platinum Print, 'End Of Day, ' 1904
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rare vintage Edward S. Curtis Master Exhibition Platinum Print appearing on the distinctive Curtis Studio Seattle triple mount produced by Curtis only for exclusive display presentat...
Platinum
Cheyenne Sua-Dance Lodge Photogravure, Early 20th Century Framed Art
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Cheyenne Sun-Dance Lodge (Plate 660) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by celebrated American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Originating from his ...
Photogravure
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) An Isleta Man, 1925
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: An Isleta Man Plate: 549 Portfolio: Volume 16 Printer: Suffolk Eng. Co. Cambridge Mass Medium: Photogravure Date: 1925 Dimensions: Sheet: W 17 ¾...
Paper
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Oyi – Tsa “Duck White” Summer Cacique of Santa Clara
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Oyi – Tsa (“Duck White”), Summer Cacique of Santa Clara Plate: 601 Portfolio: The North American Indians Volume 17, The Tewa, The Zuni Printer: ...
Paper
Moss for the Baby - Bags Cree, Original Photogravure, 17.5 x 12.5 IN
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Moss for the Baby-Bags – Cree (Plate 625) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by legendary American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Produced for Volum...
Photogravure
Chaiwa - Tewa - Profile, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Chaiwa - Tewa - Profile 1921 Photogravure Print 22 x 18 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #415, The North American Indi...
Photogravure
Soyaksin - Blood, Photogravure, Realist Style, Early 20th Century
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Soyaksin – Blood (Plate 651) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by iconic American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Published in Volume 18 of his monu...
Photogravure
Tsaassi-Mis-Salla, Sepia-Toned Photogravure, 18 x 13, Signed Portrait
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Tsaassi-Mis-Salla (Crow With Necklace) – Sarsi (Plate 618) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by celebrated American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). ...
Photogravure
Snake Dancers Entering The Plaza, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Snake Dancers Entering The Plaza 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12...
Photogravure
Wichita Grass House, Photogravure, Realist, Early 20th Century, Framed
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Wichita Grass House (Plate 654) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by iconic American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Published in Volume 19 of Curti...
Photogravure
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952), Reuben Taylor (Istofhuts) – Cheyenne, 1927
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in CA, CA
Edward S Curtis (1868-1952) Title: Reuben Taylor (Istofhuts) – Cheyenne Plate: 670 Portfolio: Volume 19 Printer: Suffolk Eng. Co. Cambridge Mass Medium: Photogravure Date: 1927 Dime...
Paper
$1,500
Lucero - Santo Domingo, Photogravure, Early 20th Century, Framed
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Lucero – Santo Domingo (Plate 557) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by legendary American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952).Published as part of Curtis...
Photogravure
Oksoyapiw - Blackfoot, Photogravure, Realist Style, Early 20th Century
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Oksoyapiw – Blackfoot (Plate 639) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by legendary American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Published in Volume 18 of ...
Photogravure
Stsimaki: Reluctant to Be Woman - Early 20th Century Photogravure
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Stsimaki (Reluctant-To-Be-Woman) – Blood (Plate 650) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by celebrated American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Publis...
Photogravure
Kindling Fire - Assiniboin, Photogravure, Early 20th Century Framed
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Kindling Fire – Assiniboin (Plate 631) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by iconic American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Included in Volume 18 o...
Photogravure
Apio-Mita (White Dog) Blood, Realist Photogravure, Early 20th Century
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Apio-Mita (White Dog) – Blood (Plate 648) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by legendary American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952). Produced as part of...
Photogravure
The Piki Maker, 1906
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis The Piki Maker 1906 Photogravure Print 22 x 18 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #432, The North American Indian, o...
Photogravure
Flute Dancers At Tureva Springs, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Flute Dancers At Tureva Springs 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #431, The North Ameri...
Photogravure
Looking Out To Sea, King Island, 1928
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Looking Out To Sea, King Island 1928 Hand Colored Volume Photogravure 12 x 9 inches Vintage small format rare Curtis Hand-Colored ...
Photogravure
Mishongnovi, 1900
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Mishongnovi 1900 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #435, The North American Indian, on Japan...
Photogravure
Return With The Willows - Piegan, 1910
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Return With The Willows - Piegan 1910 Photogravure Print 9 x 12 inches Vintage small format Curtis Volume Photogravure, Volume 6, The North American Indian, on Japa...
Photogravure
Buffalo Dance At Hano, 1904
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Buffalo Dance At Hano 1904 Photogravure Print Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #401, The North ...
Photogravure
The Potter Mixing Clay, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis The Potter Mixing Clay 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #419, The North American I...
Photogravure
Counting The Record, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Counting The Record 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #413, The North American Indian, ...
Photogravure
Walpi Architecture, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis Walpi Architecture 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #421, The North American Indian, o...
Photogravure
John Abbott - Osage, Photogravure, Realist Style, Early 20th Century
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
John Abbott – Osage (Plate 680) is an original sepia-toned photogravure by renowned American photographer and ethnologist Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952).Featured in Volume 19 of Curtis's monumental publication The North American Indian, this intimate bust portrait depicts John Abbott, an esteemed member of the Osage Nation. Framed in a powerful, direct three-quarter view, Abbott wears a traditional tall, flat-topped otter fur...
Photogravure
A Gem Of Basketry - Southern Yokuts
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis A Gem Of Basketry - Southern Yokuts 1924 Hand Colored Photogravure 12 x 9 inches Vintage small format Curtis Volume Photogravure, Volume 13, The North American Ind...
Photogravure
The Water Carriers, 1921
By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edward S. Curtis The Water Carriers 1921 Photogravure Print 18 x 22 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate ...
Photogravure