Portfolio VIII, Plate 265: Black Eagle - Nez Percé

1905

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Portfolio VIII, Plate 265: Black Eagle - Nez Percé 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 is a black-and-white portrait of a man with a serious expression. His hair is pulled back under a band, and he wears a necklace of round beads. The background is plain, so all focus stays on his face and shoulders. The photo was taken to document Indigenous life in the early 1900s. The artist traveled across the U.S. to capture these images, often working with sitters for hours. Next, check out the work of Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868–1952).