Portraits of Harlem residents in the refined elegance of the 1920s and 1930s and beyond are on view at the National Gallery of Art through Monday, May 30, 2022.
In a small gallery from the Gallery's collection of works by Black photographer, James Van Der Zee (1886-1983) hang about 40 of his pictures of landmark places and people dressed up for special occasions, many shot during the heyday of the Harlem Renaissance.
Mr. Van Der Zee was born in Lenox, Massachusetts and received his first camera when he was 14, one of the first persons in Lenox to have the device which he used to take hundreds of photos of his family and others.
At age 20, he moved to New York City to join his father and brother in their work as elevator operators and waiters.
Mr. Van Der Zee's musical talents on the violin and piano led to his participation as one of five members of the Harlem Orchestra.
At age 20, he moved to New York City to join his father and brother in their work as elevator operators and waiters.
Mr. Van Der Zee's musical talents on the violin and piano led to his participation as one of five members of the Harlem Orchestra.
He became a darkroom assistant which led to his stature at the most renowned photographer in Harlem, who "produced the most comprehensive documentation of the period" (Wikipedia) but his business declined in the 1930s due to economic conditions and increasing camera sales to the public.
It was not unusual for photographers to retouch their photos which Mr. Van Der Zee has done in several examples here, like adding a bracelet and ring to the woman pictured above in Portrait of a Young Woman. Writes the National Gallery's Laura Panadero in a blog post, Mr. Van Der Zee likely used graphite to enhance his pictures.
James Van Der Zee, Marcus Garvey (right) with George O. Marke (left) and Prince Kojo Tovalou-Houénou , 1924, gelatin silver print, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Avalon Fund © 1969 Van Der Zee
James Van Der Zee, “Beautiful Bride,” c. 1930, gelatin silver print, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Alfred H. Moses and Fern M. Schad Fund © 1969 Van Der Zee
James Van Der Zee, Portrait of Sisters, 1926, gelatin silver print, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Robert B. Menschel Fund © 1969 Van Der Zee
James Van Der Zee, Couple, Harlem, 1932, printed 1974, gelatin silver print, National Gallery of Art, Washington, Alfred H. Moses and Fern M. Schad Fund © 1969 Van Der Zee
In 1967 Mr. Van Der Zee was "rediscovered" and featured in a controversial exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He often photographed funerals (including his daughter's), resulting in the book, The Harlem Book of the Dead.
He died in Washington, D.C. in 1983.
What: James Van Der Zee's Photographs: A Portrait of Harlem
When: Now through May 30, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ground floor of the West Building, National Gallery of Art, Washington
How much: Admission is always free at the National Gallery of Art.
Covid policy: Masks are not required but encouraged. Proof of vaccination is not required.
Metro stations for the National Gallery of Art:
Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Navy Memorial-Archives, or L'Enfant Plaza
For more information: (202) 737-4215
Accessibility information: (202) 842-6905
patricialesli@gmail.com
It was not unusual for photographers to retouch their photos which Mr. Van Der Zee has done in several examples here, like adding a bracelet and ring to the woman pictured above in Portrait of a Young Woman. Writes the National Gallery's Laura Panadero in a blog post, Mr. Van Der Zee likely used graphite to enhance his pictures.
In 1967 Mr. Van Der Zee was "rediscovered" and featured in a controversial exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He often photographed funerals (including his daughter's), resulting in the book, The Harlem Book of the Dead.
He died in Washington, D.C. in 1983.
What: James Van Der Zee's Photographs: A Portrait of Harlem
When: Now through May 30, 2022, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ground floor of the West Building, National Gallery of Art, Washington
How much: Admission is always free at the National Gallery of Art.
Covid policy: Masks are not required but encouraged. Proof of vaccination is not required.
Metro stations for the National Gallery of Art:
Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Navy Memorial-Archives, or L'Enfant Plaza
For more information: (202) 737-4215
Accessibility information: (202) 842-6905
patricialesli@gmail.com
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