Who painted Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi?

Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi was painted by Edward S. Curtis in 1900.

Where can I see Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi?

Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi

Edward S. Curtis , 1900

Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi 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

This black-and-white photo shows a cluster of old stone buildings clinging to a rocky hillside.

This black-and-white photo shows a cluster of old stone buildings clinging to a rocky hillside. The structures look weathered, with flat roofs and small windows carved into the earth. A few people are scattered around—one sits near a doorway, another walks by a pile of rocks. The ground is dry, with patches of scrubby plants and scattered debris.

The photo was taken in 1900 by someone documenting a place called Mishongnovi. The buildings appear to be made from local stone, built right into the cliffs.

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

Overview

Portfolio XII, Plate 425: Mishongnovi is a black-and-white photograph taken in 1900 by Edward S. Curtis, depicting a cluster of ancient stone structures integrated into a rocky hillside at Mishongnovi.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the resilience of traditional architecture, with weathered, flat-roofed buildings carved into the earth, inhabited by a few individuals going about their daily activities amidst a harsh, dry landscape.

Technique & Style

Curtis employed his photographic skills to document the scene in a straightforward, observational manner, highlighting the harmony between the natural terrain and the man-made, stone structures that blend seamlessly into the cliffside.

History & Provenance

Created in 1900, the photograph is part of Curtis's portfolio XII and is currently held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

Mishongnovi, the subject location, is characterized by its arid environment, with scrubby vegetation and rocky debris, reflecting the challenging yet adapted living conditions of its inhabitants.