Portfolio IV, Plate 137: The Chief and His Staff--Apsaroke

1905

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Portfolio IV, Plate 137: The Chief and His Staff--Apsaroke is a 1905 by Edward S. Curtis, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Edward S. Curtis
When & what style?: 1905
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This painting depicts a group of four Native American men on horseback, set against a vast, open landscape. The men are dressed in traditional attire, adorned with feathers and beads, and each wears a distinctive headdress. The horses are shown in various poses, with one facing forward and the others turned slightly to the side. The artist has used a range of earth tones to capture the subtleties of the landscape and the textures of the men's clothing. The overall effect is one of quiet dignity and respect for the natural world. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the work of Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952).