High Heron, Sioux Indian in camp, Buffalo Bill's Wild West

Object Details

Kasebier, Gertrude

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.; Kasebier posed High Heron mounted on a horse in front of two tipis, possibly at the Buffalo Bill's Wild West show camp in Brooklyn, New York, about 1898. Four individuals are visible in the background. Ticket holders were able to tour the performers' camp and living quarters before the show and attend rehearsals.
Location: Currently not on view

ca 1898

Physical Description: platinum print (overall production method/technique); paper (overall material)
Measurements: image: 17.7 cm x 12.6 cm; 6 15/16 in x 4 15/16 in

Related Publication: Delaney, Michelle. Buffalo Bill's Wild West Warriors: A Photographic History by Gertrude Kasebier

See more items in: Work and Industry: Photographic History; Gertrude Kasebier; Photography

National Museum of American History

GUID (Link to Original Record): https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a8-a32d-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa