Portfolio VI, Plate 192: Sun Dance Encampment--Piegan

1900

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Portfolio VI, Plate 192: Sun Dance Encampment--Piegan is a 1900 by Edward S. Curtis, depicting Tent, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Edward S. Curtis
When & what style?: 1900
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

You see tepees arranged in a circle on a grassy plain, with people gathered around a central fire. The scene is quiet, not dramatic. Curtis took many photos like this, trying to record Native American life before it changed forever. This image comes from his big project called *The North American Indian*. He traveled for years with a heavy camera and glass plates. The picture feels honest, but also staged—typical of the time. Look up Edward Curtis (American, 1868–1952) to see more of his work.