EDWARD S. CURTIS. Plate 313 The Mussel Gatherer, 1900. 12x15.5" image on 14.3x17" copper photogravure plate. Plate date 1913. From Portfolio 9, Puget Sound, of The North American Indian. Engraved on plate recto: Plate 313 / The Mussel Gatherer, 1900 / From Copyright Photograph 1913 by E.S. Curtis / Photogravure John Andrew & Son.

Three of Curtis's first photographs, "The Clam Digger," "Homeward," and "The Mussel Gatherer," won the grand prize in the National Photographic Exhibition held in Washington, D.C. in 1898. These photographs traveled internationally, winning acclaim and prizes.

Curtis was aware of the fine art Pictorialist movement which was extremely popular in the U.S. and Europe in the early 1890s and 1900s. Much of his early work on The North American Indian reflects that important era in the history of photography. The Pictorialists considered their work equal to other art media of the period and consequently found inspiration for their photographs in impressionist painting and graphics which stressed atmospheric effects and broad masses of tone rather than clarity of form.

Very Good. Minor wear, tarnish, ink residue spots scratches and abrasions.