Evening On Puget Sound
1912
Reading visual documents such as these Curtis prints is problematic because the interactions of Natives and Anglo-Americans in the early twentieth century were complex experiences. Although Curtis likely staged the scenes to instill nostalgic sentiment, the Native models wear western clothing as they would typically have done at this time, and stand next to a type of canoe that was still in use. Are the people-momentarily suspended in time, bathed in the soft glow of light-looking out toward an unknown fate? Or have they perhaps come to terms with evolving social realities, adopting new practices while retaining elements of traditional ways of life.
Photogravure on vellum (paper)
11 3/4 x 15 11/16 in. (29.9 x 39.9 cm)
Gift of John H. Hauberg
86.169
