Watching for the Signal - Nez Percé
Artist
Edward S. Curtis
(American, 1868 - 1952)
Engraver
John Andrew & Son
(American (founded 1869))
Datecopyright 1910
Mediumphotogravure on paper
Dimensions22 × 18 3/8 inches (55.9 × 46.7 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 1/2 × 13 inches (44.5 × 33 cm)
Other (Plate): 17 1/2 × 13 inches (44.5 × 33 cm)
Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013
Object number2013.2.8.7
ClassificationsPhotographs
Label TextIn this image, Curtis used a setting of a night scene to add drama. He positioned the camera to look up at the warriors. That angle made them look monumental. The scene evoked Nez Percé history. The Nez Percé resisted the plans of the United States to settle them on a reservation. It would move them from their homelands. These Indians fled and engaged in conflict with the United States Army. They eventually surrendered. Curtis wrote about the Nez Percé in Volume Eight. This volume also included the Wallawalla, Umatilla, Cayuse, and Chinookan peoples.
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
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