Edward S. Curtis 10 x 8 Orotone Canon Del Muerto / Canyon of the Dead

Item Description
Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952). Canon Del Muerto (Canyon of the Dead), 1906. Orotone on glass (Goldtone). Rare 10 x 8. Frame 13.5 x 11.5. Signed with copyright insignia in the image lower left. Piece derives its name from having been the scene of a massacre of Navajo Indians by troops of Mexican soldiers. This is a rare 10 x 8 size orotone/goldtone that was produced in far fewer numbers than the more available 14 x 11 size orotone/goldtone.

Edward Sheriff Curtis was a widely acclaimed American photographer and ethnologist whose work focused on the American West and on Native American people. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Curtis moved to Seattle, WA in his early 20’s and started working as studio portrait photographer. He had a love of nature and the outdoors, and he took many landscape and mountaineering photographs on extended trips in the Northwest and Alaska. He was the official expedition photographer on E.H. Harriman’s Alaskan expedition in 1899, and it was on this venture that Curtis discovered his passion for documenting Native people’s way of life. The monumental “The North American Indian (1907-30)”, a collection he worked tirelessly on for a good portion of his life, constitutes a major compendium of photographical and anthropological material about indigenous people.

Item Specifics
Artist: Edward S. Curtis

Medium: Orotone (Goldtone) Photograph
Era: Antique, Early 20th Century
Size: 10 x 8

Item Condition
Orotone appears in excellent condition. Piece has not been examined outside of the frame. Close-up photos have been taken (through the glass) of any minute potential irregularities native to the piece/orotone process as seen under magnification. This is not damage, but rather is native to the piece. Note that there is some slight reflection of the photographing camera in the sky area (difficult to avoid), but that these are not marks. Compare each photo to verify. Original bat-wing frame with original paper backing and Curtis Studio, Seattle, WA narrative sticker intact (tape has rendered parts of it difficult to read). There are two very small bubbles in the glass on the upper left side; see close-up photo. Paper backing has some tears but is intact and has not been removed. The original frame has areas of scratches/paint loss throughout. See photos.This is a rare 10 x 8 size orotone/goldtone that was produced in far fewer numbers than the more available 14 x 11 size orotone/goldtone.

The majority of our finds are pre-owned antique, vintage and retro items and therefore may have some overall use wear due to its age. Any significant wear or damage will be noted. Please review condition write-up and photos before purchasing and contact us if you have any questions.