A North American Indian Boy

Currently not on view

A North American Indian Boy

1906

Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952)

In the late 1890s, Curtis began photographing members of Native American nations, documenting the traditional ways of life that were disappearing due to the American government's efforts to segregate or assimilate their populations. Native Americans were a favored subject of Pictorialist photographers, many of whom romanticized and depoliticized their plight. Between 1907 and 1930, Curtis published The North American Indian, a twenty-volume book set containing more than 2,000 photographs featuring eighty tribes. This work, like that of the Pictorialists, has been interpreted as both groundbreaking and controversial. This photograph of a youth is typical of Curtis's portrait style, emphasizing his sitter's intense expression and including details of traditional dress.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

A North American Indian Boy

Date:

1906

Artist:

Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952)

Medium:

Platinum print

Dimensions:

Image and sheet: 8 1/16 × 5 15/16 inches (20.4 × 15.1 cm) Mount (primary): 8 7/16 × 6 3/16 inches (21.5 × 15.7 cm) Mount (secondary): 12 3/8 × 10 inches (31.4 × 25.4 cm)

Classification:

Photographs

Credit Line:

Gift of Theodore T. Newbold, 1975

Accession Number:

1975-158-8

Geography:

Photograph taken in United States, North and Central America

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Currently not on view