Who painted Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-Navaho?

Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-Navaho was painted by Edward S. Curtis in 1904.

Where can I see Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-Navaho?

Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-Navaho is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-Navaho

Edward S. Curtis , 1904

Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-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

The person on the left wears a dark coat and hat, leaning slightly toward the middle figure, who has their head wrapped in cloth.

Three people sit close together on the ground, their backs to us. The person on the left wears a dark coat and hat, leaning slightly toward the middle figure, who has their head wrapped in cloth. The person on the right holds a folded paper and looks toward the others. Shadows stretch long across the flat, sandy ground.

This photo was taken by someone studying daily life in the Navajo community. The title hints at a focus on cultural moments, not just people.

Look up Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952) to see more of his work.

Overview

Portfolio I, Plate 36: A Point of Interest-Navaho is a photographic work by Edward S. Curtis, dating back to 1904. It is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph depicts three individuals sitting in close proximity on the ground with their backs turned towards the viewer. The composition suggests a moment of interaction or shared attention, hinted at by the title's emphasis on a 'Point of Interest' within Navajo daily life.

Technique & Style

The image features long shadows cast across a flat, sandy terrain, indicating a specific time of day. The subjects' poses and the viewer's rear perspective create a sense of intimacy and observational distance simultaneously.

History & Provenance

Created in 1904 by Edward S. Curtis, an American photographer known for documenting Native American life, the work is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

This photograph is part of Curtis's broader project to capture aspects of Navajo community life, focusing on cultural moments rather than mere portraiture.