Edward S. Curtis Orotone / Goldtone The Maid of Dreams

Item Description
Edward S. Curtis (1868-1952). The Maid of Dreams, 1909. Orotone on glass (Goldtone). 14 x 11. Frame 18 x 16. Signed with copyright insignia in the image lower left. Numbers underneath signature that are partially under the frame appear to read 38-99. Original frame with original paper backing and Curtis Studio, Seattle, WA narrative sticker intact (tape has rendered parts of it difficult to read).

Edward Sheriff Curtis was a widely acclaimed American photographer and ethnologist whose work focused on the American West and on Native American people. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Curtis moved to Seattle, WA in his early 20’s and started working as studio portrait photographer. He had a love of nature and the outdoors, and he took many landscape and mountaineering photographs on extended trips in the Northwest and Alaska. He was the official expedition photographer on E.H. Harriman’s Alaskan expedition in 1899, and it was on this venture that Curtis discovered his passion for documenting Native people’s way of life. The monumental “The North American Indian (1907-30)”, a collection he worked tirelessly on for a good portion of his life, constitutes a major compendium of photographical and anthropological material about indigenous people.

Item Specifics
Artist: Edward S. Curtis

Medium: Orotone (Goldtone) Photograph
Era: Antique, Early 20th Century
Size: 14 x 11

Item Condition
Goldtone appears in excellent condition with a beautiful, even luminosity. Piece has not been examined outside of the frame. Glass has a tiny bubble left center as seen in close-up photo. Paper backing has some tears but is intact and has not been removed. The original frame has an area of gesso loss upper right and some scratches/paint loss in multiple areas, including rubbing along the inside edges.

The majority of our finds are pre-owned antique, vintage and retro items and therefore may have some overall use wear due to its age. Any significant wear or damage will be noted. Please review condition write-up and photos before purchasing and contact us if you have any questions.