Who painted Portfolio II, Plate 71: Captain Charley - Maricopa?

Portfolio II, Plate 71: Captain Charley - Maricopa was painted by Edward S. Curtis in 1903.

Where can I see Portfolio II, Plate 71: Captain Charley - Maricopa?

Portfolio II, Plate 71: Captain Charley - Maricopa is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portfolio II, Plate 71: Captain Charley - Maricopa

Edward S. Curtis , 1903

Portfolio II, Plate 71: Captain Charley - Maricopa 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. Edward S.

About this work

Overview

Edward S. Curtis produced this photographic portrait in 1903 as part of his second portfolio series. The image, catalogued as Plate 71 and titled "Captain Charley - Maricopa," presents a solitary figure against a dark backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s presence through stark contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, identified as Captain Charley, a member of the Maricopa tribe, looks directly at the camera with a composed, slightly furrowed brow. His neutral expression and the somber tonal range convey a dignified, contemplative mood, reflecting both personal stature and broader cultural representation.

Technique & Style

Curtis employed his characteristic studio lighting to isolate the subject, using a dark, non‑reflective background that heightens the chiaroscuro effect. The photograph’s shallow depth of field and careful framing draw attention to the subject’s facial features and the draped dark garment, hallmarks of Curtis’s documentary aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has been part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The museum’s acquisition preserves an example of Curtis’s extensive work documenting Native American peoples during the early twentieth century.