Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868–1952)

LOT ID: 68194

Great Plains Ceremonial Triptych, 1907

Photogravure, Japanese Gampi tissue & Vellum papers

22 х 18 in. cm.

Plate signed, below image, center.

Foundry/Publisher John Andrew & Son / The North American Indian Inc.

Lot description

Great Plains Ceremonial Triptych
This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire all three of the Sioux, large format ceremonial images by Curtis. It is unusual to find one of these images on the market. This triptych was assembled approximately fifteen years ago and has never previously been offered for sale.

Artist: Edward S. Curtis
Title: Invocation - Sioux
Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue
Portfolio III, Plate 109
Paper Size: 22" x 18" (54.61cm x 45.40cm)
Image Size: 15.88" x 10.25" (40.3cm x 26cm)
The gallery retail for this photograph is: $6,500

The subject is performing a sacred spiritual rite invoking the great spirit. He wears multiple feathers, a simple breach cloth, and his long pigtails are wrapped and have decorative extensions. He holds a simple wood stemmed, prow style peace pipe with a beaded drop and long fringe extensions. In front of him are numerous sacred objects, including a rawhide quiver and arrows, a wing fan, and a fringed bison hump shield. His moccasins are fully beaded. He is standing in a power place, a location with special powers. Medicine men and warriors used this particular area for generations to seek power and wisdom.

Artist: Edward S. Curtis
Title: Prayer to the Mystery
Medium: Photogravure, Japanese vellum
Portfolio III, Plate 91
Paper Size: 22" x 18" (54.61cm x 45.40cm)
Image Size: 15.75" x 10.25" (40cm x 26cm)
The gallery retail for this photograph is: $5,000

The subject is performing a sacred ceremony, and seeks guidance from the spirits. He offers a prow style calumet (peace pipe) with a wooden stem and design work and embellishment to the Mystery. He wears a simple breach cloth. In front of him is a buffalo skull representing the animals upon which his people are so dependent. The skull is draped with an eagle feather.

Artist: Edward S. Curtis
Title: The Sun Dancer
Medium: Photogravure, Japanese gampi tissue
Portfolio III, Plate 83
Paper Size: 22" x 18" (54.61cm x 45.40cm)
Image Size: 16" x 10.25" (40.6cm x 26cm)
The gallery retail for this photograph is: $7,800

This medicine man (probably Slow Bull) is performing in a spiritual ceremony wherein he calls the eagle spirits. He uses a whistle made from an eagle wing bone. He wears a single eagle feather with a dazzler on top. He has a loose, fringed breach cloth (“clout”) and gypsum paint on his cheeks. He seeks spiritual guidance regarding his future.

The gallery retail for these photographs is $19,300
Auction Estimate: $12,000 - $16,000

Invocation- Sioux
This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. Very minor crease at the extreme edge of lower left print margin, not effecting image area. Minor discoloration at the lower margin of the vintage overmat. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.

Prayer to the Mystery
This vintage photogravure is in excellent overall condition. The upper margin has been trimmed 0.5"(1.2cm). There are three, small (2.5"(6.3cm)) creases at the upper margin edge, not effecting the image. Excellent, rich impression, and a fine example of the photogravure process. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.

The Sun Dancer - Sioux
This vintage photogravure and overmat are in excellent condition. It is an excellent, rich impression and a fine example of the photogravure process on rare gampi tissue. This photogravure was professionally washed and de-acidified to restore it to its original archival state and beauty.

Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Publication:

The North American Indian (Portfolio III Plates 83, 91, 109) Great Plains, P.65(The Sun Dancer)
Condition Report
Condition Report

The seller has recorded the following condition for this lot:

Description:	Creases
Date
Date
Location:	Lower left
Location:
Area:	Margin
Degree:	Minor
Notes:	Please see Seller's Description section for condition notes.


Date
Date
Location:
Location:
Area:
Degree:
Notes:
Further information details

Definition Key

History and Provenance
History and Provenance
Provenance:
Christopher Cardozo Fine Art
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Carrier:
UPS

Shipping Weight: 8 lbs

Framing: No

Item Location: Minnesota, USA

Shipping Options:
Shipping weight is approximate, buyer is responsible for shipping, handling, insurance and VAT/import duties.
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Payment and Return Policies
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Sales Tax: Minnesota

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Contact the Specialist

Christopher Sweet

(212) 497-9700 165

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Lot ID

68194

Artist

Edward Sheriff Curtis

Title

Great Plains Ceremonial Triptych

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Margin Area	Edge, border, or perimeter areas
Image Area	Central image, focal point of the item/image.

Minor	Existing condition generally does not involve risk of loss
Moderate	Noticeable, increasing in severity and/or size; not serious, but should be monitored or corrected by a conservator
Major	Distinct, recognizable damage; stability of the work is questionable; risk is a factor; requires the attention of a conservator
Extreme	Advanced and severe damage; work is insecure and at great risk

Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868–1952) LOT ID: 68194 Great Plains Ceremonial Triptych, 1907

CONFIRMATION

Christopher Sweet

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