Horace Swartley Poley (American, 1864-1949). "Crossing Los Pinos River" photograph, ca. 1890s. A striking photograph by American photographer Horace Swartley Poley - that possesses both artistic and historical value. The photograph features Ute men on horseback crossing Los Pinos River. The riders are dressed in native attire, several with feather headdresses and beautiful striped wool blankets. In addition to this historical subject matter, the composition of the photograph is breathtaking, displaying impressive balance and depth. Horace Poley maintained a studio in Colorado Springs from 1892 until 1935, and was asked to photograph archaeological expeditions in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and southwest Colorado. In addition, Poley delivered lectures that featured his images in magic lantern shows, and was a member of the Colorado Springs Pioneer Society, the Knights of Pythias, and the National Archaeology Society. Size (sight view): 14.5" L x 19.375" W (36.8 cm x 49.2 cm) Size of frame: 21.2" L x 25.625" W (53.8 cm x 65.1 cm)

In 1937, the Denver Public Library acquired the Horace Swartley Poley collection. According to Randel Metz, "Horace Swartley Poley created a major collection of photographic images of Native Americans in the southwestern United States. Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania in 1864, Poley moved to Colorado in the 1880s and was a resident of Colorado Springs for 62 years. Poley started a commercial photo studio in 1892 and remained an active photographer until 1935. In addition to his photographic work, Poley served as head of the U.S. Postal registry department in Colorado Springs. During summer vacations, Poley served as photographer with archaeological expeditions in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and southwest Colorado. He recorded landscapes, cityscapes, and events in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. Poley was noted for his travelogue lectures employing his images in 'magic lantern' shows." (Randel Metz's article about acclaimed Western photographer Horace Poley - Denver Public Library blog, June 9, 2015)

Provenance: private Monument, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1950s

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#167797

This photograph has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in excellent condition.The frame has minute scuffs but is otherwise very good. "Crossing Los Pinos River - Southern Ute Reservation - ca. 1890 Photo by H.S. Poley" is handwritten on the verso.