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Flathead Horse Trappings

Edward S. Curtis; John Andrew & Son, Boston

Artwork Details

Flathead Horse Trappings
1910
Edward S. Curtis; John Andrew & Son, Boston
photogravure on paper
9 1/4 in x 12 3/8 in (23.5 cm x 31.5 cm);14 3/8 in x 19 7/16 in (36.5 cm x 49.3 cm)
Gift of Stephen M. Taylor
1997/1.157

Description

Subject Matter:

This image of a Flathead rider, and horse in costume, is from The North American Indian (1907-1930), a twenty-volume series created by Edward Curtis in order to document the lives of Native Americans in diverse regions of the Western United States. This limited edition volume was financially supported by J.P. Morgan, and promoted by Theodore Roosevelt. The resulting works have been criticized and celebrated for their portrayal of Native American life. Curtis often included anachronous props and clothing and presented rituals that had not been performed in years in order to support an idealized and romantic reading of a “vanishing race.”

Physical Description:

This is a photograph of a horse and rider. Both wear patterned, geometric costume and are framed by an wooded landscape.

Usage Rights:

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