Artwork

Portfolio XVI, Plates 544- 579

Portfolio XVI, Plates 544- 579, by Edward S. Curtis, 1914
Portfolio XVI, Plates 544- 579, by Edward S. Curtis, 1914

Portfolio XVI, Plates 544- 579 is a work on paper by Edward S. Curtis. It dates from 1914 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Portfolio XVI, Plates 544-579 is a photographic work by Edward S.

About this work

The woman on the left is holding a large pot above her head, while the woman on the right is carrying a smaller pot on her head.

The image depicts a serene scene of two women standing in a wooded area, surrounded by trees and foliage. The woman on the left is holding a large pot above her head, while the woman on the right is carrying a smaller pot on her head. Both women are dressed in long skirts and tops, with their hair covered by headscarves.

The image is rendered in a sepia tone, which adds to the sense of nostalgia and timelessness. The women's faces are not clearly visible, but their postures and expressions convey a sense of quiet dignity and strength.

This image is part of a larger portfolio, Portfolio XVI, Plates 544- 579, created by Edward S. Curtis between 1904 and 1925. To learn more about Curtis' work, you can explore his art at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Overview

Portfolio XVI, Plates 544-579 is a photographic work by Edward S. Curtis, dating to 1914, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays two women in a wooded setting, each carrying a pot in a different manner. Their dignified postures and obscured faces convey quiet strength and serenity, evoking a sense of timeless, everyday life.

Technique & Style

Rendered in sepia tone, the photograph adopts a nostalgic aesthetic. The composition focuses on the women's actions and attire, with facial details subdued, emphasizing their roles and environment over individual identity.

History & Provenance

Created between 1904 and 1925 as part of Curtis's extensive portfolio project, this specific work was produced in 1914. It is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

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.