1904; Mountain Hawk Prints edition, 2006. Photogravure on tissue, 11-1/4” x 15-1/4”. Framed in Compound No. 108—2-1/2” + cap No. 488—5/8” in quartersawn white oak (Medieval Oak stain).
A prime example of framing photographs close (see my article in Picture Framing Magazine, “Close-framed Photographs”, available here), I’ve always been particularly pleased with this example shown on what’s considered the jewel in the crown of this great western photographer’s oeuvre. The fine beading used on a flat profile suits both the fine detail and strong horizon line. The cap outside the flat echoes the dramatic contrast of the flat valley bottom and surrounding cliffs, but with minimum fuss in keeping with the stillness captured by the picture. This is how Curtis himself preferred to frame his work—close, in wide oak frames.