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Artwork

Portfolio I, Plate 26: A Chief of the Desert-Navaho

Edward S. Curtis , 1904

Portfolio I, Plate 26: A Chief of the Desert-Navaho, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904
Portfolio I, Plate 26: A Chief of the Desert-Navaho, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904

Portfolio I, Plate 26: A Chief of the Desert-Navaho 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

Overview

Portfolio I, Plate 26: A Chief of the Desert-Navaho is a black-and-white photograph by Edward S. Curtis, created in 1904.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a Navajo man, possibly a leader, wrapped in a striped blanket and head cloth, conveying a sense of dignity and gravity through his serious expression.

Technique & Style

The photograph employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between light and dark to emphasize the subject's face, while the background remains subdued.

History & Provenance

The work is part of a portfolio and is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward S. Curtis

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

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.