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Lot 137

A POSTER FROM EDWARD CURTIS'S "PICTURE OPERA."
Edward S. Curtis ... Tells the Intimate Story of Indian Life with Motion Pictures.... Chicago: The National Printing and Engraving Co., c.1910.

30 June – 1 July 2021, 16:00 PDT
Los Angeles

Sold for US$2,805 inc. premium

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A POSTER FROM EDWARD CURTIS'S "PICTURE OPERA."

Edward S. Curtis ... Tells the Intimate Story of Indian Life with Motion Pictures.... Chicago: The National Printing and Engraving Co., c.1910. Lithographic poster printed in sepia tones, 22 x 13 7/8 inches. Upper right corner bumped, 1/2 inch closed tear at center left margin, light thumbing to edges.
Provenance: Purchased by Dr. Billy Utley from Manford "Mag" Magnuson.

In 1910, eager to take financial advantage his his good press coverage and the available "new media," Curtis debuted his "picture opera," The Story of a Vanishing Race. The show included magic lantern slides of the photographer's work painstakingly hand-colored, supplemented by moving pictures, sound recordings of native songs, an orchestra, and Curtis's own narration. The music was composed by Henry F. Gilbert and inspired by the wax recordings of native songs brought back by Curtis from his trips. The response was phenomenal and the tour sold out. Unfortunately, Curtis lost money, thanks to his poor money management skills.

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