Kills First, Sioux Indian
Kills First, Sioux Indian
Usage conditions apply
- 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.
- Kills First looks directly into the camera for the first of two portraits by Käsebier. In the second, he holds two arrows and turns in profile, allowing a closer inspection of his clothing, feathers, beads, and medallions.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- platinum print
- Date made
- ca 1898
- maker
- Kasebier, Gertrude
- Physical Description
- platinum print (overall production method/technique)
- paper (overall material)
- Measurements
- image: 18.3 cm x 11.7 cm; 7 3/16 in x 4 5/8 in
- ID Number
- PG.69.236.014
- accession number
- 287543
- catalog number
- 69.236.014
- Credit Line
- Mina Turner
- subject
- Native Americans
- See more items in
- Work and Industry: Photographic History
- Gertrude Kasebier
- Photography
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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