Portfolio VIII, Plate 271: A War Chief - Nez Percé

1905

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Portfolio VIII, Plate 271: A War Chief - 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 photo shows a man on horseback in an open field. He’s wearing a tall feathered headdress, a long coat with fringe, and holds a rifle. The horse stands still, facing slightly left, with a plain saddle. The background is blurry—just land and trees fading into the distance. The caption calls him a "War Chief" from the Nez Percé people. His outfit and the rifle suggest he might be a leader or warrior, but the photo itself feels calm, not like battle. If you’re curious about how this photo was made, look up chiaroscuro.