Provenance

Mitchell and Nancy Steir

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The image shows an aerial view of a landscape with a trench-like excavation extending into the distance. Buildings with dark, sloping roofs are aligned parallel to the trench on the left side. A tall mast with a ladder is next to the nearest building. On the right, a larger two-story structure with a covered porch supported by wooden posts is visible. Several people are present in the scene, standing near the buildings or sitting by the trench. The ground is barren, with scattered logs and rocks. The color palette is monochromatic with sepia tones.
Eadweard Muybridge, Acajutla, 1877, albumen silver print, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.6

Acajutla

Eadweard Muybridge · 1877 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2004.163.6

The image shows multiple overturned and decayed chairs spread across an outdoor setting. The color palette is grayscale. Various chairs are placed on the ground, with one prominently upside down in the foreground. A fallen branch or small tree with leaves is on the right side. The background includes a wall of a building with a partially visible structure and barred windows on the left, and an exit sign on the right.
Madoka Takagi, Ellis Island 53, 1988, platinum/palladium print on lightweight wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.21

Ellis Island 53

Madoka Takagi · 1988 · platinum/palladium print on lightweight wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.21

The image shows a busy market scene from an elevated point of view. The horizon is hidden by mountain slopes, enclosing the market area. A grand colonial building with arches and a decorative facade is visible in the background. The photograph is fine and detailed, with a sepia color palette. Many people are present in the market, some stationary and others in motion. More individuals are seen under canopies in the distance.
Eadweard Muybridge, Plaza and Viceroy's Palace-Antigua de Guatemala, 1877, albumen silver print, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.8

Plaza and Viceroy's Palace-Antigua de Guatemala

Eadweard Muybridge · 1877 · albumen silver print ·  Accession ID  2004.163.8

The image shows torn pieces of paper with car illustrations on the ground. The color palette is predominantly sepia-toned, giving it a vintage feel. The largest piece of paper with a car illustration is in the lower left quadrant, with other papers scattered around. Fragmented pieces of glass or debris are spread across the surface, and there is a mechanical or eye-like object in the center bottom of the image.
Madoka Takagi, Ellis Island 15, 1988, platinum/palladium print on lightweight wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.14

Ellis Island 15

Madoka Takagi · 1988 · platinum/palladium print on lightweight wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.14

The image shows a group of people wearing masks and traditional clothing. The masks are intricately designed, some resembling animals or mythical creatures. The individuals are standing or crouching in various positions, with some holding ceremonial props. Totem poles with traditional carvings are seen in the background, suggesting a cultural setting.
Edward Sheriff Curtis, Masked Dancers - Qágyuhl [Plate 358], 1914, photogravure on cream wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.5.28

Masked Dancers - Qágyuhl [Plate 358]

Edward Sheriff Curtis · 1914 · photogravure on cream wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.5.28

The image shows two totem poles in front of a wooden building with stairs and windows. The totem poles feature a bird at the top. The color of the totem poles is muted in shades of brown and cream. The material is carved wood with intricate details and patterns. The totem poles are tall, slightly taller than the building's roof. Each totem has various animal forms, contributing to its storytelling presence in a forested area.
Edward Sheriff Curtis, Carved Posts at Alert Bay [Plate 330], 1914, photogravure on cream wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.5.2

Carved Posts at Alert Bay [Plate 330]

Edward Sheriff Curtis · 1914 · photogravure on cream wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.5.2

This is a photograph of a row of totem poles lined up alongside a building with a dirt path in front of them. The photograph captures several intricately carved totem poles, each distinct in design, featuring various animal motifs such as birds and sea creatures intricately carved and stacked vertically. The totem poles stand beside a large wooden building, the side of which is adorned with similar artistic designs. The sky above is overcast with scattered clouds, casting a soft light over the scene. To the left of the image, there is a progression of trees providing a natural backdrop, and in the distance, smaller structures can be observed, all contributing to the historical ambiance of the photograph.
Edward Sheriff Curtis, Nimkish Village at Alert Bay [Plate 350], 1914, photogravure on cream wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.5.20

Nimkish Village at Alert Bay [Plate 350]

Edward Sheriff Curtis · 1914 · photogravure on cream wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.5.20

The image shows a traditionally styled canoe moving across a calm body of water. The horizon is about one-third from the top of the image, with a line of trees in the distance. The photo is in sepia tones, giving it a warm feel. The texture emphasizes the canoe and its occupants. Reflections ripple on the water, adding horizontal lines. Trees create a dark silhouette against the lighter sky. The scene is dominated by muted earth tones, creating a serene mood.
Edward Sheriff Curtis, Coming for the Bride - Qágyuhl [Plate 337], 1914, photogravure on cream wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.5.8

Coming for the Bride - Qágyuhl [Plate 337]

Edward Sheriff Curtis · 1914 · photogravure on cream wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.5.8

The sculpture depicts a large figure with a stylized face featuring wide eyes and a pronounced mouth. The figure's body is adorned with intricate patterns and motifs, including eyes, wings, and other abstract designs. The sculpture is monochrome, appearing in a sepia tone. It includes an additional smaller face-like figure beneath the main figure’s hands. The overall look of the sculpture is detailed with sharp, expressive carvings.
Edward Sheriff Curtis, A Koskimo House-Post [Plate 341], 1914, photogravure on cream wove paper, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.5.12

A Koskimo House-Post [Plate 341]

Edward Sheriff Curtis · 1914 · photogravure on cream wove paper ·  Accession ID  2004.163.5.12

The image shows a person sitting on the ground, crouched with legs bent and arms extended forward, engaging with a piece of equipment. The person has short hair adorned with leafy elements and is wearing a textured garment. They are seated against a large, twisted piece of wood or tree roots.
Edward Sheriff Curtis, The Fire-Drill - Koskimo [Plate 349], 1914, photogravure, Gift of Mitchell and Nancy Steir, 2004.163.5.19

The Fire-Drill - Koskimo [Plate 349]

Edward Sheriff Curtis · 1914 · photogravure ·  Accession ID  2004.163.5.19