Photography

Leica 35mm Camera

The millions of photographs in the Museum's collections compose a vast mosaic of the nation's history. Photographs accompany most artifact collections. Thousands of images document engineering projects, for example, and more record the steel, petroleum, and railroad industries.

Some 150,000 images capture the history, art, and science of photography. Nineteenth-century photography, from its initial development by W. H. F. Talbot and Louis Daguerre, is especially well represented and includes cased images, paper photographs, and apparatus. Glass stereographs and news-service negatives by the Underwood & Underwood firm document life in America between the 1890s and the 1930s. The history of amateur photography and photojournalism are preserved here, along with the work of 20th-century masters such as Richard Avedon and Edward Weston. Thousands of cameras and other equipment represent the technical and business side of the field.

Culture: Indians of North America

Sioux Indian drawing by Joe Black Fox

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.238.09
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.238.09

Whirling Hawk, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph Sioux Indians traveling with the show in her studio. 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.
Young Whirling Hawk sat for his photograph against the darkest of the backdrops used by Käsebier. Studio lighting highlights his profile and details on the bone breast-plate, intricate embroidery of the vest, feathers, headdress, and armbands.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.055
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.055

Kills First, Sioux Indian

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.015
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.015

Sioux Indian drawing by Joe Black Fox

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.238.07
accession number
287543

Iron Tail without His Feathers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.237.10
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.237.10

Zitkala Sa, Sioux Indian and activist

In addition to photographing of Sioux performers sent by Buffalo Bill Cody to her studio, Käsebier was able to arrange a portrait session with Zitkala Sa, "Red Bird," also known as Gertrude Simmons (1876-1938), a Yankton Sioux woman of Native American and white mixed ancestry.
Description
In addition to photographing of Sioux performers sent by Buffalo Bill Cody to her studio, Käsebier was able to arrange a portrait session with Zitkala Sa, "Red Bird," also known as Gertrude Simmons (1876-1938), a Yankton Sioux woman of Native American and white mixed ancestry. She was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, like many of the Sioux traveling with the Wild West show. Well educated, she studied at reservation schools, the Carlisle Indian School, Earlham College in Indiana, and the Boston Conservatory of Music. Zitkala Sa became an accomplished author, musician, composer, and dedicated worker for the reform of United States Indian policies.
Käsebier photographed Zitkala Sa in tribal dress and western clothing, clearly identifying the two worlds in which this woman lived and worked. In many of the images, Zitkala Sa holds her violin or a book, further indicating her interests. Käsebier experimented with backdrops, including a Victorian floral print, and photographic printing. She used the painterly gum-bichromate process for several of these images, adding increased texture and softer tones to the photographs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.109
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.109

Group portrait of Native Americans while on horseback

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
PG.003974.11
accession number
121824
catalog number
3974.11

Sitting Holy, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. 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.
This man is identified on the photographer's mounts both as Kills Close to the Lodge and Sitting Holy. The original Käsebier negative held by the Library of Congress alternately identifies this Sioux Indian as Luke Big Turnips.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.052
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.052

Chief Marababoza

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 1920s
maker
Kilmer, T. W.
ID Number
PG.003664
accession number
70724
catalog number
3664

Flying Horse, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph Sioux Indians traveling with the show in her studio. 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.
Flying Horse, appears in a close-up, profile view. Käsebier uses natural studio light to reflect strongly on his face and the light-colored feathers and beads of his vest and hair, contrasting with his dark clothing and the light wall.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.038
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.038

Sioux Indians on the Dakota Plains

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.002
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.002

Whirling Horse, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. 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.
Käsebier photographed Whirling Horse in full headdress and draped blanket.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.072
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.072

Dawasonta

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1919
maker
Fleckenstein, Louis
ID Number
PG.004071.O
accession number
137759
catalog number
4071.O

Zitkala Sa, Sioux Indian and activist

In addition to photographing the Sioux performers sent by Buffalo Bill Cody to her studio, Käsebier was able to arrange a portrait session with Zitkala Sa, "Red Bird," also known as Gertrude Simmons (1876-1938), a Yankton Sioux woman of Native American and white mixed ancestry.
Description
In addition to photographing the Sioux performers sent by Buffalo Bill Cody to her studio, Käsebier was able to arrange a portrait session with Zitkala Sa, "Red Bird," also known as Gertrude Simmons (1876-1938), a Yankton Sioux woman of Native American and white mixed ancestry. She was born on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, like many of the Sioux traveling with the Wild West show. She was educated at reservation schools, the Carlisle Indian School, Earlham College in Indiana, and the Boston Conservatory of Music. Zitkala Sa became an accomplished author, musician, composer, and dedicated worker for the reform of United States Indian policies.
Käsebier photographed Zitkala Sa in tribal dress and western clothing, clearly identifying the two worlds in which this woman lived and worked. In many of the images, Zitkala Sa holds her violin or a book, further indicating her interests. Käsebier experimented with changing backdrops, including a Victorian floral print, and photographic printing. She used the painterly gum-bichromate process for several of these images, adding increased texture and softer tones to the photographs.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.103
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.103

Whirling Hawk, Sioux Indian

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.059
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.059

Drawing of a Native American figure

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.237.26
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.237.26

Flying Hawk, Sioux Indian

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.078
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.078

Drawing of an Native American figure with feathers

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.237.19
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.237.19

Kiva Steps, Isleta Pueblo

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1910s-1940s
ID Number
PG.004203
catalog number
4203
accession number
157717

Whirling Hawk, Sioux Indian, profile

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. 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.
Identified as Whirling Hawk in the 1901 Everybody's Magazine article "Some Indian Portraits," this Native American is Charging Thunder according to original Käsebier negatives held in the Library of Congress. The feathers worn in his hair, his fringed shirt, medallions, pins, and wrist cuffs are distinctive in comparison to those worn by the other Sioux photographed.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.064
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.064

Plenty Wounds, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. 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.
Portrait of Plenty Wounds
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.094
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.094

Kills Close to the Lodge, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph Sioux Indians traveling with the show in her studio. 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.
Kills Close to the Lodge sits, holding war club.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.048
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.048

Has No Horses, Sioux Indian, with spear and feathers

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly sent a letter to William "Buffalo Bill" Cody (1846-1917), requesting permission to photograph Sioux Indians traveling with the show in her studio. 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.
Has No Horses appears comfortable in posing for his portraits, seeming patient as the photographer takes his front view and left and right profiles. He agreed, like many of the other Native Americans visiting Käsebier's studio, to pose in full dress with war bonnet, then without, and a third time with a war club. A blanket, or rug, hangs as a backdrop; the profiles show the heavy wooden studio chair used in the sittings.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.030
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.030

Amos Little, Sioux Indian

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.
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.
Käsebier had spent her childhood on the Great Plains, and retained many vivid, happy memories of playing with nearby Native American children. She quickly wrote 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.
Portrait of Amos Little
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1898
maker
Kasebier, Gertrude
ID Number
PG.69.236.090
accession number
287543
catalog number
69.236.090

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