Portfolio I, Plate 1: The Vanishing Race-Navajo
1904
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1904
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Portfolio I, Plate 1: The Vanishing Race-Navajo is a 1904 by Edward S. Curtis, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This image shows a dimly lit scene with two figures riding horses along a rocky path. The background is dark, with a faint outline of hills or mountains. The riders are dressed in long, dark clothing, blending into the shadows. The title says it’s called *The Vanishing Race-Navajo*, suggesting it’s about a specific group of people. The lighting is very dramatic, with strong contrasts between light and dark. Check out how this uses chiaroscuro, a technique that plays with light and shadow for big emotional effect.
