Edward S. Curtis

2 gelatin silver prints, including The Vanishing Race and Canyon de Chelly, each copyrighted in the negative and with the photographer's Seattle copyright blindstamp in the margin, the first signed in crayon in the margin, each framed, inscribed in ink on the frame's paper backing, 1904 (2)

Originally acquired at the El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon, Arizona, May 1916

Each of these prints has the characteristic two-toned margins of Curtis's 'border prints.' Although these photographs have not been examined out of their frames, they appear to be in generally very good to excellent condition. -Canyon de Chelly: On the reverse of the frame, the following is inscribed in ink by C. D. V. Cox, Jr., the original purchaser of these prints: 'Bought at the Grand Canyon, Arizona, Hotel El Tovar, May 1916 / Money was supplied for these pictures by J. P. Morgan. In order to make these valuable only a limited number have been printed and [the few] have been destroyed.' -The Vanishing Race: On the reverse of the frame, the following is inscribed in ink: 'Photographed E. S. Curtis, Seattle / Bought at the Grand Canyon, Arizona, May 1916, Hotel El Tovar.'
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Hotel El Tovar, located 20 feet from the southern edge of the Grand Canyon, was built in 1905 by the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.  Designed by Charles Whittlesey, the luxury destination resort was located at the northern end of the Santa Fe Railway, and provided a more refined alternative to the camps and simple accommodations one found in the area at this time. 

The Grand Canyon was named a National Monument in 1908 and a National Park in 1919.  The El Tovar was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987.