Portfolio XVII, Plate 610: Zuñi Girls at the River

1903

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Dominant colour

Portfolio XVII, Plate 610: Zuñi Girls at the River 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 image shows two girls standing on a riverbank, each carrying a large pot on her head. The girls are dressed in long, dark robes that cover their bodies, and they wear moccasins on their feet. They stand side by side, facing the camera, with the river flowing behind them. The scene is set against a backdrop of a dry, barren landscape with hills in the distance. The sky above is overcast, casting a somber mood over the entire scene. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, drawing the viewer's eye to the girls and their pots. The image is a poignant portrayal of everyday life in a bygone era. To explore more works by Edward S. Curtis, visit The Cleveland Museum of Art.