This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/26/2024
CURTIS, Edward Sheriff (American, 1868-1952). The Oath - Apsaroke. [Los Angeles: Curtis Studio, twentieth century; image copyright 1908]. Silver gelatin border print with two-toned border. Dry mounted to [original] board. Signed by Curtis with L.A. below signature. Title with text affixed at bottom, “The Oath / A Crow picture, illustrating the striking and dramatic form of oath of this Plains tribe. / A buffalo skull was placed in the front and across the skull an arrow with a fragment of buffalo meat at its point. The man making the declaration would extend the arrow to the sky. The thought being that should there be an untruth in his statement the angry Gods would destroy his life with a tongue of flame.” This image appeared as the frontispiece to Curtis’ “The North American Indian, Vol 4. The Apsaroke, or Crows. The Hidatsa.” Image: 8 x 5”; mat: 21 ½ x 18 ¾”. Image is crisp and presents very well. The Oath is one of Curtis’ most sought after images; this iteration includes a two-toned border, signature from the Los Angeles Curtis Studio, and an original label and caption. All proceeds benefit the Howard L. Gottlieb Foundation, which has been supporting nonprofit organizations in the fine arts since 2015.