Quilcene Boy 1912

"Quilcene Boy," a 1912 photogravure by Edward S. Curtis, depicts a young Native American boy with a stoic expression, his long hair braided. Curtis was a renowned photographer who dedicated his life to documenting the lives of Native American tribes across the United States, aiming to preserve their cultural traditions and stories. The photograph's simple composition and intimate portrayal of the boy's gaze capture the essence of a vanishing way of life, making it a powerful example of early 20th-century anthropological photography. The image is held at The Art Institute of Chicago and is a compelling testament to Curtis's artistic and ethnographic vision.