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Edward S. Curtis Photography

American, 1868-1952

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)

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Artist: Edward S. Curtis
East Mesa Girls, 1921
East Mesa Girls, 1921

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 ...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Walpi Architecture, 1921
Walpi Architecture, 1921

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

A Hopi Woman, 1905
A Hopi Woman, 1905

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Edward S. Curtis Rae Master Exhibition Platinum Print, 'End Of Day, ' 1904
Edward S. Curtis Rae Master Exhibition Platinum Print, 'End Of Day, ' 1904

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Platinum

Buffalo Dance At Hano, 1904
Buffalo Dance At Hano, 1904

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 ...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Wichita Grass House

Wichita Grass House

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 654 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Cheyenne Sua-Dance Lodge

Cheyenne Sua-Dance Lodge

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 660 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Oksoyapiw - Blackfoot

Oksoyapiw - Blackfoot

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 639 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Soyaksin - Blood

Soyaksin - Blood

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 651 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Moss for the Baby - Bags Cree

Moss for the Baby - Bags Cree

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 625 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Lucero - Santo Domingo

Lucero - Santo Domingo

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 557 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Kindling Fire - Assiniboin

Kindling Fire - Assiniboin

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 631 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Apio-Mita(White Dog)-Blood

Apio-Mita(White Dog)-Blood

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 648 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Chaiwa - Tewa - Profile,  1921
Chaiwa - Tewa - Profile,  1921

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Snake Dancers Entering The Plaza, 1921
Snake Dancers Entering The Plaza, 1921

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Return With The Willows - Piegan, 1910
Return With The Willows - Piegan, 1910

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

John Abbott - Osage

John Abbott - Osage

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Colorado Springs, CO

Original Photogravure - Plate 680 Comes with a gorgeous Burl Wood frame, images upon request.

Category

Early 20th Century Realist Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Mishongnovi, 1900
Mishongnovi, 1900

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

The Potter Mixing Clay, 1921
The Potter Mixing Clay, 1921

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

The Water Carriers, 1921
The Water Carriers, 1921

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 ...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

A Gem Of Basketry - Southern Yokuts
A Gem Of Basketry - Southern Yokuts

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Counting The Record, 1921
Counting The Record, 1921

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, ...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

Flute Dancers At Tureva Springs, 1921
Flute Dancers At Tureva Springs, 1921

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

The Piki Maker, 1906
The Piki Maker, 1906

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...

Category

Early 20th Century Other Art Style Edward S. Curtis Photography

Materials

Photogravure

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A Modified Style Of Hair Dressing, 1921
A Modified Style Of Hair Dressing, 1921

A Modified Style Of Hair Dressing, 1921

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Edward S. Curtis Modified Style Of Hair Dressing 1921 Photogravure Print 22 x 18 inches Vintage large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 12, Plate #428, The North Ameri...

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Huklowapi Ceremony, 1907
Huklowapi Ceremony, 1907

Huklowapi Ceremony, 1907

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

Edward S. Curtis Huklowapi Ceremony 1907 Photogravure Print 22 x 18 inches Photogravure Print Vintage Large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 3, Plate #90, The North...

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Canyon de Chelly - Navaho
Canyon de Chelly - Navaho

Canyon de Chelly - Navaho

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Edward S. Curtis Canyon de Chelly, 1904 Goldtone Print An exceptional example of a vintage 11" x 14" Goldtone Print of Canyon de Chelly - Navaho, 190...

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Piegan Dandy

Piegan Dandy

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Located in Los Angeles, CA

Edward S. Curtis Piegan Dandy, 1900 Photogravure Print Vintage Large format Curtis Portfolio Photogravure, Portfolio 6, Plate #208, The North American Indian, on Japan Vellum paper....

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San Ildefonso Pottery, pl. 587

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Tesuque Buffalo Dancers, pl. 600

Tesuque Buffalo Dancers, pl. 600

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Printed plate number, Curtis's title, date, copyright, and photogravures by John Andrews and Son on recto. Known for his remarkable documentation of Native Americans in the early tw...

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The Sentinel - San Ildefonso, pl. 580
The Sentinel - San Ildefonso, pl. 580

The Sentinel - San Ildefonso, pl. 580

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Printed plate number, Curtis's title, date, copyright, and photogravures by John Andrews & Son on recto. Known for his remarkable documentation of Native Americans in the early ...

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Gathering Wokas - Klamath, pl. 460

Gathering Wokas - Klamath, pl. 460

By Edward S. Curtis, 1868-1952

Located in Denton, TX

Printed plate number, Curtis's title, date, copyright, and photogravures by John Andrews & Son on recto

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Edward S. Curtis photography for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Edward S. Curtis photography available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of photography to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by Edward S. Curtis in intaglio, photogravure, paper and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 20th century and is mostly associated with the modern style. Not every interior allows for large Edward S. Curtis photography, so small editions measuring 6 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Jerry Schatzberg, Lillian Bassman, and Brian Duffy. Edward S. Curtis photography prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $1,000 and tops out at $72,000, while the average work can sell for $6,500.