-Cho-Bah-Begey- (The Wolf) Navajo Boy 1904

This photogravure, entitled -Cho-Bah-Begey- (The Wolf) Navajo Boy, was made by Carl Moon at an unknown date. The photogravure process itself is fascinating. It begins with a copper plate, coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. This is then exposed to a photographic positive, hardened, and etched with acid. The varying depths of the etch create an image when inked and printed. Consider the labor involved: not only Moon's work as a photographer, but the skilled labor of preparing the plate, the careful balance of chemistry and timing in the etching process. This was a high-end, almost artisanal form of photographic reproduction. The velvety blacks and subtle tonal gradations, give the image a tactile quality, as if it were a drawing. Beyond the technical aspects, the portrait raises important questions about representation and the history of photography as a tool of both documentation and, at times, exploitation. The image prompts us to consider the artist's role in shaping perceptions of indigenous cultures, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of capturing someone's likeness. By focusing on the materials, the making, and the social context, we can gain a richer understanding of this artwork.