The Vanishing Race-Navaho
Artist
Edward S. Curtis
(American, 1868 - 1952)
Engraver
John Andrew & Son
(American (founded 1869))
Datecopyright 1904
Mediumphotogravure on paper
Dimensions18 3/4 × 22 1/8 inches (47.6 × 56.2 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013
Object number2013.2.1.2
ClassificationsPhotographs
Label Text"The Vanishing Race" begins Edward S. Curtis’s project, "The North American Indian." It dramatically presents Curtis’s motive. He believed that Indian people were disappearing. He wanted his work to preserve their history. This image gives a beautiful statement of that idea. In shadowy darkness, Navaho riders retreat into the distance. This image also indicates why Curtis receives criticism. It perpetuates the idea that Indians only existed in the past.
ProvenanceAcquired by subscription directly from the artist by the National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C.[1]; purchased December 6, 2012 through (Christies, New York, New York,[2]) by (Arader Galleries, New York, New York); purchased June 10, 2013 through (Arader Galleries, New York, New York) by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art | [1] This set was stored in the National Geographic Society’s archive housed in the Society’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. | [2] "The National Geographic Collection: The Art of Exploration," December 6, 2012, Christie’s, New York, Rockefeller Plaza, sale 2603, lot 65
On View
On view
