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Artwork

Portfolio XVII, Plate 594: Washing Wheat - San Juan

Edward S. Curtis , 1905

Portfolio XVII, Plate 594: Washing Wheat - San Juan, by Edward S. Curtis, 1905
Portfolio XVII, Plate 594: Washing Wheat - San Juan, by Edward S. Curtis, 1905

Portfolio XVII, Plate 594: Washing Wheat - San Juan is a work on paper by Edward S. Curtis. It dates from 1905 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portfolio XVII, Plate 594: Washing Wheat - San Juan is a photograph by Edward S. Curtis, created in 1905, and is part of a collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman kneeling on a stone near a stream, washing wheat in shallow water, surrounded by trees and reeds. The scene represents a moment of traditional Native American life, although it may have been staged to conform to Curtis's idealized vision.

Technique & Style

Curtis's work is characterized by its attention to detail and composition, capturing the interplay of sunlight and natural surroundings.

Context

This photograph is part of Curtis's extensive 20-volume project documenting Native American life across North America, resulting in over 10,000 images that influenced early 20th-century perceptions of Native cultures.

Artist & collection

Artist

Edward S. Curtis

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

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.