Artwork

Portfolio I, Plate 24: A Hilltop Camp-Jicarilla

Portfolio I, Plate 24: A Hilltop Camp-Jicarilla, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904
Portfolio I, Plate 24: A Hilltop Camp-Jicarilla, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904

Portfolio I, Plate 24: A Hilltop Camp-Jicarilla is a work on paper by Edward S. Curtis. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The details in the painting, like the tents and the people's clothing, suggest that the artist was trying to document their way of life.

This painting shows a camp on a hilltop with people and horses.
It's interesting because it gives us a glimpse into the daily life of the Jicarilla people. The details in the painting, like the tents and the people's clothing, suggest that the artist was trying to document their way of life.
You can learn more about this type of documentation by looking at the work of artist Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952).

Overview

Portfolio I, Plate 24: A Hilltop Camp-Jicarilla, created in 1904 by Edward S. Curtis, is a visual representation of a Jicarilla Apache camp. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The piece depicts a hilltop encampment, featuring Jicarilla people, horses, and traditional dwellings. The attention to detail in attire and camp structure implies a documentary intent, aiming to capture the everyday life of the Jicarilla Apache.

Technique & Style

While the original description does not specify the medium, Curtis's work from this period often involved photography. If assuming photographic, the technique would emphasize realism, aligning with Curtis's ethnographic approach. However, without confirmation of the medium, stylistic analysis is speculative.

History & Provenance

Created in 1904, the work is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its recognition as a significant cultural document.

Context

Part of Curtis's broader project to document Native American life, this work reflects early 20th-century ethnographic practices, though its medium (if photographic) would align with Curtis's primary method.

Legacy

As part of Curtis's oeuvre, it contributes to the historical record of Jicarilla Apache culture, though its individual impact is more nuanced within the larger context of his portfolio series.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward S. Curtis

Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952) was an American artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.