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Edward S. Curtis Original Signed Stamped Platinum Photograph Hopi Weaver, 1899

About the Item

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, with the notation "900 - 3 - Brown" in an unknown hand, possibly that of Curtis, on the verso. We can find only three known prints of this image of which this is one. What makes this photograph so special is that it is dated 1899. The other two we have located are dated 1900 and 1906 thus making this photograph quite likely the oldest and original print he made in this format of this particular image. In this respect quite rare and highly collectible. This print comes with what also appears to be the original handmade quartersawn oak frame which Curtis often used for his platinum prints. Partial original gallery label ("THE ROSE ART. Smith &.") on the verso. Again, a very scarce and extremely rare copy. It is estimated that Curtis initially printed approximately 400-800 negatives as platinum prints. Of these, possibly as few as 200 negatives were ultimately finished and used for exhibition and/ or sale prints. Most range Size-wise from either 6" x 8", as this print, or 12" x 16". In most cases, Curtis typically made fewer than four or five prints per negative. For some of his more popular images, it is estimated that he may have produced between forty to eighty examples of each image in platinum in various sizes. Image dimensions: 6" high, 8" wide Framed dimensions: 11.5" high, 13.5" wide, and .8" deep.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Width: 13.5 in (34.29 cm)Depth: 0.8 in (2.04 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1899
  • Condition:
    The photograph is in very good vintage condition with light natural toning (may be sepia) else no discernable flaws. The frame has wear consistent with age and use (please see photos). Likely restorable. A beautiful, rare, and engaging work overall.
  • Seller Location:
    Studio City, CA
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU2254334660532
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