The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis Value Guide

The North American Indian is a monumental ethnographic achievement consisting of 20 volumes and portfolios documenting over 80 tribes. Created by Edward S. Curtis with support from J.P. Morgan, these photogravures are highly collectible for their artistic mastery and historical preservation of indigenous cultures.

What Is The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis Worth?

The typical price range for The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis is $100 - $150 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The specific tribe or subject matter depicted, with iconic portraits generally commanding higher interest than landscape scenes.
• The type of paper used, as prints on Japanese Vellum or Tissue are often more desirable than those on standard heavy stock.
• Physical condition, including the presence of foxing, water stains, or trimmed margins which can significantly decrease the $100-$150 baseline value.
• Provenance and whether the piece is an original folio plate or a later restrike from the original copper plates.

How to Identify The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis?

• Look for the characteristic copperplate photogravure texture which features a distinct, soft tonal range rather than a halftone dot pattern.
• Verify the presence of the 'Copyright by E.S. Curtis' imprint and the specific date ranging between 1907 and 1930.
• Check for the original Van Gelder Holland watermark or the presence of Japanese Vellum or Tissue paper stocks used in the original printing.
• Examine the plate number and title usually located in the lower left and right margins of the individual prints.

History of The North American Indian by Edward S. Curtis

Edward S. Curtis dedicated over 30 years of his life to documenting Native American cultures through photography and ethnography. This monumental project, 'The North American Indian,' consists of 20 volumes of text and 20 portfolios of photogravures, chronicling over 80 tribes. Supported by figures like J.P. Morgan, Curtis aimed to capture the essence of a vanishing way of life, creating an invaluable historical and artistic record.