Artwork

Portfolio XVI, Plate 566: Acoma from the South

Portfolio XVI, Plate 566: Acoma from the South, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904
Portfolio XVI, Plate 566: Acoma from the South, by Edward S. Curtis, 1904

Portfolio XVI, Plate 566: Acoma from the South 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 title says this is "Acoma from the South," meaning it’s a view of the Acoma Pueblo from the south side.

This photo shows a desert scene with tall rock cliffs in the front. The rocks look jagged and uneven. In the background, there’s a big stone building on a flat area, with smaller houses scattered around it.

The title says this is "Acoma from the South," meaning it’s a view of the Acoma Pueblo from the south side. The artist took this photo in 1904.

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

Overview

Portfolio XVI, Plate 566: Acoma from the South is a photographic work by Edward S. Curtis, dated to 1904, and part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The photograph captures a desert landscape view of Acoma Pueblo from the south, featuring prominent jagged rock cliffs in the foreground, a large stone building on a plateau in the background, and scattered smaller dwellings.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of this plate are not provided, Curtis's work in this period typically involved gelatin silver print techniques, characteristic of early 20th-century documentary photography.

History & Provenance

Created in 1904 by Edward S. Curtis, the work is now held in the permanent collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its recognized historical and artistic value.

Context

Part of Curtis's broader project documenting Native American life, this piece reflects his interest in capturing the architectural and geographical settings of Southwestern Pueblo communities during the early 20th century.

Legacy

As part of Curtis's extensive photographic portfolio, it contributes to the historical record of Acoma Pueblo's early 20th-century appearance and the broader legacy of Curtis's ethnographic photography project.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward S. Curtis

Edward S. Curtis (1868–1952) was an American artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.