Who painted Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy?

Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy was painted by Edward S. Curtis in 1900.

Where can I see Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy?

Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy

Edward S. Curtis , 1900

Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy 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 wearing a detailed outfit with beaded patterns, a feathered headdress, and necklaces.

This is a black-and-white photo of a man sitting still. He’s wearing a detailed outfit with beaded patterns, a feathered headdress, and necklaces. His face has a calm expression, and his hands rest on his knees.

The photo was taken by a famous photographer trying to document Indigenous life. Notice how the lighting makes his face stand out sharply against the dark background.

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

Overview

Portfolio VI, Plate 208: A Piegan Dandy is a black-and-white photograph by Edward S. Curtis, dating to 1900. The work depicts a seated male figure from the Piegan people, characterized by a serene demeanor and elaborate traditional attire.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a Piegan man, is portrayed in a state of calm contemplation, with his hands resting on his knees. His outfit, complete with beaded patterns, a feathered headdress, and necklaces, highlights the cultural richness of Indigenous dress. The photograph aims to document aspects of Native American life during the early 20th century.

Technique & Style

Curtis employed a high-contrast lighting technique, setting the subject's face in sharp relief against a dark, nondescript background. This emphasis on the subject's visage draws the viewer's attention to his expression, conveying a sense of dignity and tranquility.

History & Provenance

Created in 1900, the photograph is part of Curtis's extensive portfolio on Native American life. It is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

This work is part of Curtis's broader project to photographically document the lives and cultures of Indigenous peoples in the United States, a endeavor marked by both anthropological intent and aesthetic consideration.

Legacy

As part of Curtis's oeuvre, the photograph contributes to a complex legacy of early 20th-century Native American representation, balancing documentary value with the artistic and historical contexts of its creation.