Who painted Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache?

Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache was painted by Edward S. Curtis in 1903.

Where can I see Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache?

Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache

Edward S. Curtis , 1903

Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache is a work on paper by Edward S. Curtis. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The artist took this photo in 1903, trying to document their way of life.

This photo shows four people riding horses across dry, grassy land. They’re dressed in long coats and hats, with one person pointing ahead. The horses look strong, and the ground is covered in short plants. The sky is pale, and the hills in the background are flat and brown.

The title says it’s about the Apache people on a trail. The artist took this photo in 1903, trying to document their way of life.

Next, check out Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952) to see more of his work.

Overview

Portfolio I, Plate 19: The Lost Trail-Apache is a photographic work by Edward S. Curtis, dated 1903, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph depicts four Apache individuals on horseback, traversing a dry, grassy landscape. One figure gestures forward, suggesting navigation or guidance. The scene aims to document the Apache people's traditional way of life.

Technique & Style

Curtis's composition features strong, majestic horses set against a muted palette of pale skies and brown, flat hills. The short vegetation and dry terrain are prominently displayed, emphasizing the group's harmony with the arid environment.

History & Provenance

Created in 1903 as part of Curtis's broader project to photograph Native American life, the work is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

This photograph is part of Curtis's effort to capture the vanishing traditions of Native American tribes, reflecting early 20th-century concerns about cultural preservation.