Who painted Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan?

Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan was painted by Edward S. Curtis in 1900.

Where can I see Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan?

Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan

Edward S. Curtis , 1900

Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan is a work on paper by Edward S. Curtis. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

He’s dressed in traditional clothing—buckskin leggings, a fur-lined jacket, and a beaded chest piece.

This photo shows a man standing against a rough wooden wall. He’s dressed in traditional clothing—buckskin leggings, a fur-lined jacket, and a beaded chest piece. A feathered headdress sits on his head, and he holds a long staff with his right hand. His face is serious, and he’s wearing small coins or medals tied around his neck and wrists.

The photo was taken to document Indigenous cultures in the early 1900s. The artist wanted to show traditional dress and regalia in detail.

If you like this, check out Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952) for more of his work.

Overview

Portfolio VI, Plate 206: Iron Breast - Piegan is a photographic work by Edward S. Curtis, created in 1900, and is part of a larger portfolio. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph depicts a Piegan man, Iron Breast, standing against a wooden backdrop, dressed in traditional attire including buckskin leggings, a fur-lined jacket, and beaded chest piece, conveying a sense of cultural identity and tradition.

Technique & Style

Curtis's photograph showcases his attention to detail in capturing traditional dress and regalia, utilizing a straightforward documentary style to preserve the cultural heritage of Indigenous peoples.

Context

The work was part of a broader effort by Curtis to document Indigenous cultures in the early 20th century, aiming to record and preserve the traditional ways of life of Native American communities.