Sioux Indians drawing in Kasebier's Studio

Object Details

Date made
ca 1898
referenced
Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Frontier Exhibition
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
Description
In 1898 New York photographer Gertrude Käsebier (1852-1934) embarked on a deeply personal project, creating a set of prints that rank among the most compelling of her celebrated body of work. Käsebier was on the threshold of a career that would establish her as both the leading portraitist of her time and an extraordinary art photographer. Her new undertaking was inspired by viewing the grand parade of Buffalo Bill's Wild West troupe en route to Madison Square Garden for several weeks of performances. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph in her studio the Sioux Indians traveling with the show. Within weeks, Käsebier began a unique and special project photographing the Indian men, women, and children formally and informally. Friendships developed, and her photography of these Native Americans continued for more than a decade.
Near the window of Käsebier's Fifth Avenue, New York, studio, two young Sioux men wait during the portrait session. Pausing momentarily from drawing, one glances outward, contemplating the vast city and skyscrapers.
Location
Currently not on view
Subject
Native Americans
See more items in
Work and Industry: Photographic History
Gertrude Kasebier
Photography
Related Publication
Delaney, Michelle. Buffalo Bill's Wild West Warriors: A Photographic History by Gertrude Kasebier
Credit Line
Mina Turner
Data Source
National Museum of American History
ID Number
PG.69.236.005
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.005
Object Name
platinum print
Physical Description
platinum print (overall production method/technique)
paper (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 20 cm x 15 cm; 7 7/8 in x 5 7/8 in
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-988e-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Record ID
nmah_1004527