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Portfolio I, Plate 16: Eskadi-Apache

Edward S. Curtis

1903

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Early Modern Portrait

Dominant colour

Portfolio I, Plate 16: Eskadi-Apache is a 1903 by Edward S. Curtis, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Edward S. Curtis
When & what style?: 1903
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This is a black-and-white portrait of an older person wrapped in a heavy cloak. Their face is serious, with deep lines and a neutral expression. A dark headband holds back long hair, and the background is plain, putting all focus on them. The artist used strong light and shadow to shape the face, making the wrinkles and texture stand out. This technique is called chiaroscuro. Look up chiaroscuro to see how artists use light and dark to create drama.