Edward Sheriff Curtis (American, 1868-1952) Prayer to the Mystery (Plate 9, Vol III, from "The North American Indian"), 1907 Large-format photogravure 16 x 10-1/4 inches (40.6 x 26.0 cm) (image) Credited, titled, and dated in letterpress, lower margin recto. Published by John Andrew and Son. LITERATURE: Edward S. Curtis: The Complete Portfolios, Taschen, Cologne, 1977, p. 136. "In supplication was always offered to the Mystery by holding it aloft. At the feet of the worshipper lies a buffalo skull, symbolic of the spirit of the animal upon which the Indians were so dependent. The subject of the picture is Picket Pin, an Oglala Sioux.: (Edward S. Curtis) HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved