 |  |  |
|
| Dear Collector, Because we share an interest in the North American Indian, I want to make you aware of an extraordinary opportunity. For many years, I have committed a considerable portion of my life to purchasing and preserving the remarkable photographs of Edward S. Curtis' years among The North American Indian. I am now making a limited number of those original photographs (printed between 1897 and 1929) available for purchase by people like you, who have expressed an interest in this irreplaceable art. As you may know, Edward S. Curtis devoted more than 30 years of his life to the development of a photographic record of all the features of Indian life and environment - young and old, the arts, ceremonies, games and everyday customs. Never before or since has a people been so clearly and sensitively recorded. Edward S. Curtis was a chronicler of not only the moment, but of an entire culture at peace with nature - one he felt sure was soon to be lost, as indeed it was. In addition to this sensitive record-keeping, Curtis also employed an unsurpassed method of reproducing his photography - photogravure. The process is painstakingly slow, because it involves inking by hand and the careful use of a hand-operated, flat-bed press. However, it was the perfect medium to demonstrate Curtis' response to the play of light and shadow on his subject and the artistry of his composition. Sources indicate that there were only 300 prints made of each Edward S. Curtis photogravure, of which approximately 200 are already in private portfolios and museum collections. An estimated 30 were lost, leaving approximately 70 prints for the collecting public. Two sizes of photogravures were used in the collection, for the supplementing portfolios, 18" x 22" paper was selected. The images measured approximately 12" x 15". The volume size prints were printed on 9 ½ and 10 ½ paper and the image size was approximately 5" x 7". We have over 600 images on hand. Feel free to contact us for print availability. Market dynamics make available only I to 5 pictures at any given time, and it is therefore no small wonder that Curtis prints have increased in value 150% over the last 10 years. These original photogravures represent an outstanding investment opportunity. As you know, it is difficult to predict what any investment will be worth years from now. Your Edward S. Curtis photogravure, originally commissioned by J.P. Morgan and endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt, is at once an unequaled historic record reproduced by a process now regarded as a "lost art', a work of indisputable artistic merit and an investment opportunity worthy of your consideration. Edward S. Curtis meant to preserve a record of The North American Indian culture. He certainly did his part. This limited offering is a unique opportunity for you to share in these historical moments. To make Edward S. Curtis' historical record a part of your own, call (530)- 964-2966 or e-mail kirkrudy@snowcrest.net. Each photogravure is museum matted (12" x 16") and carefully hand-packed to ensure delivery in perfect condition and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your purchase within 30 days for a complete refund. Sincerely yours, Kirk A. Rudy |