The Potter Mixing Clay

Artist Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868 - 1952)

Engraver Suffolk Engraving Company (American, active early 20th century)

Mediumphotogravure on paper

Dimensions18 × 22 1/2 inches (45.7 × 57.2 cm)
Other (Plate): 13 3/8 × 16 1/2 inches (34 × 41.9 cm)

Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013

Object number2013.2.12.21

ClassificationsPhotographs

Label TextThis photogravure is resulted from a copper plate. Curtis took a great interest in the arts of the Indian people. He wrote about this image. “This woman, so aged that her shriveled skin hangs in folds, still finds pleasure in creating artistic and utilitarian pieces of pottery.” In his text, Curtis explained pottery making. The clay comes from the foothills of the mesa. The potter kneads the clay and makes a base for the pot. She then makes a thin rope of clay and coils it to make the walls. The potter smooths the surface and dries the pot in the sun. She paints designs with a yucca brush and bakes the pottery to finish the work.

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

Not on view