Bidspirit auction | 1924 Edward S. Curtis Mitat

1924 Edward S. Curtis Mitat Wailaki Photogravure The North American Indian Plate 472 - A large-format photogravure on paper by Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868-1952), titled Mitat—Wailaki. This portrait is Plate 472 from Curtis's landmark ethnological work, The North American Indian. The image depicts a close-up, high-contrast study of an elderly Wailaki man, rendered in the rich sepia and deep tonal ranges characteristic of the photogravure process. The work captures the subject in a three-quarter profile, emphasizing the textured lines of his face and a stoic expression against a soft, diffused background. The print features several legible inscriptions in the lower margins. At the bottom left, within the plate area, it is marked Plate 472. Centered below the image is the title MITAT—WAILAKI in an open, stylized serif font. Directly beneath the image at center is a cursive inscription reading From Copyright Photograph 1924 by E.S. Curtis. To the bottom right, a cursive inscription reads Photogravure Suffolk Eng. Co. Cambridge, Mass. The print is professionally presented in a cream-colored mat and housed in a dark wood frame with a visible grain. The reverse is finished with corrugated cardboard secured by metal flexi-tabs and a hanging wire. Frame Height: 26 inches Frame Width: 20.25 inches. This antique print exhibits characteristics consistent with its age. The paper stock shows moderate age-related toning throughout the margins (photo 2). The frame has minor surface scuffs and small chips to the wood finish, particularly at the corners (photo 8). The reverse cardboard backing shows minor indentation and wear (photo 7). The print itself appears well-preserved within the frame with no visible foxing, tears, or creases.