Edward S. Curtis

platinum print, numbered '370-05' in the negative, signed in red crayon and with the photographer's copyright blindstamp on the image, in the original quarter-sawn oak Curtis Studio frame, 1905

Edward S. Curtis: The North American Indian, The Complete Portfolios (Köln, 1997), p. 142

This large, impressive, early print, on heavy textured paper, is in generally excellent condition. It is signed boldly by Curtis in red crayon. Upon close examination, a small crease, or possibly an accretion, is visible on the sitter's foot. There is a long linear paper imperfection in the upper sky portion of the image, which is not immediately apparent or distracting from this overall impressive print. The photograph, in its original Curtis Studio frame, has been skillfully sealed by a framer with a spacer between Museum Glass and board. It has not been examined out of this contained package. The original Curtis Studio frame is in excellent condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

An Oasis in the Badlands, Edward Curtis’s study of Red Hawk, of the Oglala Sioux, is one of the definitive images from the photographer’s oeuvre.  Signed in red crayon and in the original Arts and Crafts-style oak frame, this platinum print represents the ideal state of Curtis’s photographs in the early 1900s.  Extant prints with Curtis’s bold red crayon signature are scarce.