Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image and sheet): 10 11/16 × 13 7/16 in. (27.1 × 34.1 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1925

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of two (2) men and eleven (11) women posing in stage costumes. Ten (10) of the women are standing in a line across the stage. All but one of the women are depicted wearing identical, sequined bikini-style tops with a swath of sequined fabric running down their midsections, and fingerless gloves. The bikini bottoms are overlaid with sheer fabric with tasseled fringed ends, knotted at the belly button. Each woman is wearing large, hooped earrings and a turban with some of their hair peeking out. The five (5) women on the left have both of their arms pointed toward the left edge of the image. And the five (5) women on the right have both of their arms pointed toward the right edge of the image. One (1) woman is centrally depicted, kneeling on a pillow in front of the line of women and a large seated Buddha, with her arms crossed over her chest. On either side of her kneels a man depicted in profile with his hands held out to her, palms up. The man on the left is wearing harem pants and a matching, loose fitted shirt with a beaded collar and cuffs. He is also wearing a turban with a large gemstone on the proper right side. The man on the right is depicted in blackface with white lips. He is also wearing harem pants, a kurta wrapped around the waist with a knotted length of fabric, and a turban. There is an inscription in pencil on the back.

Topic

African American

Blackface

Dance

Music

Nightlife

Photography

Stereotypes

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.1

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 5/8 × 9 1/2 in. (19.3 × 24.2 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 8 1/8 × 10 1/16 in. (20.7 × 25.5 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

mid 20th century

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a man and two (2) women. The woman on the left and the man on the right are seated at a table covered in glassware, a liquor bottle, and a champagne bottle. The second woman is leaning between the man and the woman seated at the table in the foreground. The man is wearing a black tuxedo, black bow tie, and has a white pocket square tucked into his proper left breast pocket. He is depicted in profile, looking towards the woman on the left side of the image. He is holding a tall glass, filled with ice, in his proper right hand. The woman on the far left is wearing a floral print dress and a pearl necklace. She is depicted facing forward, looking towards the man depicted on the right side of the image. Her proper right elbow is propped on the table and she is holding a glass in her proper right hand. Her proper left arm is resting on the back of the chair. The woman in the center is depicted looking towards the woman on the left. Her chin is resting on her proper right fist. She is wearing a floral print garment and a five (5) chain bracelet on her proper right wrist. There are couples dancing in the background. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Amusements

Nightlife

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.100

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 × 6 7/8 in. (24 × 17.4 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 × 8 1/8 in. (25.4 × 20.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1945

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a woman. She is depicted from the chest up, facing the viewer, and looking slightly upwards. She is slightly left of center. The woman is wearing a black button down garment with a pointed collar and large round buttons. She is sporting a bouffant up-do with large, rolled bangs. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.102

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Distributed by

Paramount Pictures, American, founded 1912

Subject of

Owens, Jesse, American, 1913 - 1980

Oakie, Jack, American, 1903 - 1978

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 3/16 × 7 1/2 in. (23.3 × 19 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 × 8 1/8 in. (25.4 × 20.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place captured

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

1935

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Jesse Owens and Jack Oakie. Both Owens and Oakie are crouched on the ground, posing in a runner's four point start position. Owens, depicted on the left, is wearing a light colored suit, with a striped tie, and a flower in his proper left lapel. Oakie is wearing a black tuxedo, a black bow tie, and a white flower in his proper left lapel. They are posing on a sidewalk in front of a large wooden door. The image is bordered with white and along bottom is centered black text that reads, [Copr. 1935, Paramount Productions, Inc. Permission granted for Newspaper and Magazine reproductions. (Made in U.S.A.)]. A handwritten inscription in blue pencil on the back reads, [Jack Okie [sic] / & / Jessie [sic] Owens].

Topic

African American

Actors

Athletes

Comedy

Entertainers

Hollywood (Film)

Photography

Track and field

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.104

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Museart, American

Subject of

Berry, Nyas, American, 1913 - 1951

Berry, James, American, 1915 - 1969

Berry, Warren, American, 1922 - 1996

Berry Brothers, American, 1929 - 1951

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 11/16 × 7 11/16 in. (24.6 × 19.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 1/16 × 8 in. (25.5 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1943

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of the Berry Brothers. All three young men are depicted standing in three-quarters profile, with their faces turned towards the viewer and looking upwards towards the right edge of the image, and their proper left hands in their pockets. The young men on the far left and the far right are wearing black tuxedoes with tails, white vests, and white bow ties. The young man in the center is wearing a medium toned, double breasted, tuxedo and a medium toned tie. All three tuxedos have satiny stripes running down the side of the pants. The young men are standing in front of a white background. Warren Berry is depicted on the far left, Nyan Berry in the center, and James Berry on the right. The photographer's embossed mark, located in the bottom right corner reads, [Musart / L·A·]. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph. There are pencil notations written on the back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Children

Comedy

Entertainers

Photography

Tap dancing

Vaudeville

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.105

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Korman, Murray, American, 1902 - 1961

Subject of

Berry, Nyas, American, 1913 - 1951

Berry, James, American, 1915 - 1969

Berry, Warren, American, 1922 - 1996

Berry Brothers, American, 1929 - 1951

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 11/16 × 7 3/4 in. (24.6 × 19.7 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 1/16 × 8 1/8 in. (25.6 × 20.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

ca. 1943

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of the Berry Brothers. The young men are depicted standing against a white background, posing in different orientations. All three young men are wearing black tuxedoes with tails, white vests, and white bow ties and holding top hats. Nyan Berry is depicted on the far left. He is holding his top hat above his proper left shoulder with his proper left hand while holding a white cane upside down in his proper right hand. He is looking towards the top left corner of the image. Warren Berry is depicted in the center, facing Nyan Berry. He is standing with his legs apart, holding his top hat in his proper right hand at his waist and his proper left hand is held at his chest. James Berry is depicted on the right. He is standing in three-quarters profile, looking forward toward the top edge of the image. He is holding his top hat in his proper right hand at his chest and his proper left hand is held at his waist. A handwritten inscription in black ink in the lower right quadrant of the image reads, [To / Laura / A Real / Person / Cheerfully / Berry Bud[?]].The photographer's mark, printed in the negative, located in the bottom left corner reads, [Murray / Korman / N.Y.]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Children

Comedy

Entertainers

Photography

Tap dancing

Vaudeville

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.108

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Hawkins, Coleman, American, 1904 - 1969

Harry "Sweets" Edison, American, 1915 - 1999

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 11/16 × 9 9/16 in. (19.6 × 24.3 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 8 1/8 × 9 15/16 in. (20.6 × 25.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

1954-1967

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Harry "Sweets" Edison and Coleman Hawkins. Edison and Coleman are depicted from the waist up, playing instruments in front of a dark stage curtain. Edison is depicted on the left playing a trumpet. He is standing in three-quarters profile, looking towards the right side of the image. He is wearing a medium toned jacket, white collared shirt, and a dark tie. He is holding the trumpet to his mouth with his proper left hand and playing the finger buttons with his proper right hand. There is a mute in the bell. Coleman Hawkins is depicted on the right side of the image, playing a saxophone. He is standing in three-quarters profile, looking towards Edison. He is wearing a dark jacket, white collared shirt, a dark tie, and has a white pocket square tucked into his proper left breast pocket. His proper left hand is playing the keys of his saxophone. The photographer’s mark, printed in the negative in the bottom right corner reads, [F[---?] J[---?]]. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the image.

Topic

African American

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.112

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Bloom Photography, American

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 3/16 × 7 3/8 in. (23.4 × 18.8 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 1/8 in. (25.3 × 20.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

1920-1940

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a female performer in costume. The woman is posed in a full-body portrait, against a white background. Her torso and upper body are in a spotlight and her legs are in mostly in shadow. She is depicted facing the viewer, looking towards the right side of the image. She is holding her hands above her head, with her wrists crossed, and the palms of her hands and fingertips touching. Her proper left leg is crossed in front of her proper right leg. She is wearing a bikini costume embellished with sequins and large, round beads. She is wearing ruffled arm warmers and a decorative headpiece with two metal chains draped over her forehead. The photographer’s mark, printed in the negative in the bottom left corner reads, [Bloom / CHICAGO]. There is an inscription in black ink on the bottom right quadrant of the image that reads, [To Tom – Maggie– / Sincerely, / Ginger]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the image.

Topic

African American

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.113

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 5/8 × 7 5/8 in. (24.4 × 19.3 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.3 × 20.2 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1955

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a woman. The woman is depicted in close-up, from the shoulders up. She is facing the viewer, smiling, with her head tilted towards the left side of the image. The woman has dark, shoulder length hair, parted on the proper left side. Her shoulders are nude and the top of her proper right arm is visible. She is wearing wide, round earrings. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the image.

Topic

African American

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.114

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Mosley, John W., American, 1907 - 1969

Subject of

Unidentified Man or Men

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 5/8 × 7 11/16 in. (24.5 × 19.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 1/16 × 8 1/8 in. (25.5 × 20.6 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

1940-1960

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a man and four (4) women sitting on a beach. The man is centrally depicted with two (2) women seated on either side of him and two (2) women kneeling behind him. The man is seated in the sand with his knees drawn up, his arms resting on his knees, and his proper left hand holding his proper right hand. He is wearing dark swim trunks. The woman seated on the left is wearing a strapless, light colored swimsuit. Her proper right leg tucked under her and her proper left leg is extended forward. The woman seated on the right is depicted sitting on a striped towel. She has her knees drawn up and her proper left arm draped over her shins. She is looking towards the left side of the image. The woman kneeling behind the man on the left is depicted with her head slightly tilted to the right and with her proper right hand resting on the man’s shoulder. She is wearing a light colored bikini with a matching bikini skirt. The woman kneeling on the top right is wearing a dark, halter neck swimsuit. In the background is a row of matching beach umbrellas extending diagonally from the middle of the left side of the image, towards the top right corner. There are people seated under the umbrellas and one (1) person walking in the sand nearby. The photographer’s mark, printed in the negative in the bottom left corner reads, [MOSLEY] next to an etched graphic of a man in profile holding a camera. There are no inscriptions on the back of the image.

Topic

African American

Amusements

Photography

Recreation

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.115

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Middleton, Velma, American, 1917 - 1961

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 × 7 7/16 in. (23.9 × 18.9 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 10 × 8 in. (25.4 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

mid 20th century

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Velma Middleton and a woman seated at a piano. The woman seated at the piano has her fingers on the keys and her head and proper left shoulder turned towards the viewer. She is wearing a short sleeve, floral pattern print dress. Behind her is Middleton. She is standing behind the woman playing the piano, in three quarters profile, with her head turned towards the viewer. Her proper right arm is resting on the piano and her proper left arm is by her side. She is wearing a long sleeve, leaf pattern dress with a square neckline. There is a floor lamp next to the piano and small framed decoration on the wall behind Middleton. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the image.

Topic

African American

Entertainers

Instrumentalists (Musicians)

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.117

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Kollar, James

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

2013.46.25.118.1: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

2013.46.25.118.2: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (2013.46.25.118.1 Image): 7 7/16 × 9 9/16 in. (18.9 × 24.3 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.118.1 Sheet): 8 × 9 15/16 in. (20.3 × 25.3 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.118.2 Image): 7 9/16 × 9 5/8 in. (19.2 × 24.4 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.118.2 Sheet): 8 1/16 × 10 1/4 in. (20.4 × 26 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date

early 20th-mid 20th century

Description

Two identical silver gelatin prints depicting a black-and-white composite image of three (3) unidentified men and Laura Cathrell dressed in theatrical costumes. Cathrell stands left of center, in profile, with her torso turned towards the men on the right side of the image. She is wearing a dark toned, cropped, short sleeve blouse, a stripped skirt with ruffles along the hem, and a tall hat with a large feather plume extending from the top of the hat. She is depicted looking down towards the man on the far left. He is wearing an open shirt, laced, with large dark and light bands on the sleeves, white pants, sandals, and a brimmed straw hat decorated with diagonal stripes on the edge of the brim. He is kneeling with a conga drum held on his upper thighs. His hands are poised above the drumhead, which faces to the left edge of the image. The drum is decorated with geometric bands. On the right side of Cathrell are two (2) additional men standing, both looking towards her. Both wear outfits similar to the man kneeling. The man on the left is holding maracas in both hands and is facing Cathrell. The man on the far right stands with his back to the other performers and his torso turned to the right edge of the image. Partially cut off white text, printed in the negative, in the bottom right corner reads, [JAMES KOLL[ÁR / RADIO CITY, N.Y.]]. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the image.

Topic

African American

Entertainers

Music

Nightlife

Photography

Stereotypes

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.118.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Swarz, Lue

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 × 7 1/2 in. (23.9 × 19 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 in. (25.2 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

February 4, 1937

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Lue Swarz. Swarz is depicted from the shoulders up with her head turned towards the right side of the image. Swarz’s face is mostly in shadow with just her proper left cheekbone and forehead visible. She is wearing a light colored, ruffled garment which is also mostly in shadow. She is smiling and her eyes are closed. Centered in the bottom third of the image is an inscription in white ink that reads, [To Sally / one of my best friends; / from Lue Swarz / Feb. 4, 1937]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the image.

Topic

African American

Actors

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.119

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Rossner, Harry

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 5/8 in. (24.1 × 19.3 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.5 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

October 14, 1938

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell performing on stage with three (3) female performers behind her. Cathrell is wearing a light colored dress with ruffled short sleeves and a short, tiered, ruffled skirt. She is dancing with her arms outstretched and slightly rounded. She is holding her proper left leg slightly forward of her proper right leg. The female performers are all wearing identical costumes that include white, short sleeve shirts with dark, peter pan collars; dark, short overalls; and white Mary Jane shoes. Behind the performers is a painted set. The letters [DBA] are painted on the set just below a cartoon bird with a long beak. A small ladder is visible on the left side of the image. There are two stamps in black ink on the back of the image. The stamp at the top center reads, [OCT 14, 1938] and the one at the center reads, [harry rossner / CANDID PHOTOGRAPHER / 116 ave. c, b’klyn, n.y.]. There is a small piece of newsprint adhered to the back of the image.

Topic

African American

Dance

Music

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.120

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Bloom Photography, American

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

2013.46.25.121: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

2013.46.25.122: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (2013.46.25.121: Image): 9 5/8 × 7 1/2 in. (24.5 × 19.1 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.121:Sheet): 10 3/16 × 8 in. (25.8 × 20.3 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.122: Image): 9 1/8 × 7 3/8 in. (23.1 × 18.8 cm)

H x W (2013.46.25.122: Sheet): 9 1/2 × 8 in. (24.1 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

early 20th-mid 20th century

Description

2013.46.25.121: A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of woman posing in a spotlight. The woman is depicted seated with her proper left leg tucked beneath her and her proper right leg crossed over her proper left knee. Her upper torso is cast in a spotlight. She is leaning slightly forward with her proper right hand resting just below her proper right shoulder and her proper left hand splayed just below her chin. Her head is turned towards the left side of the image and her chin is tilted slightly upwards. She is wearing a black, low cut garment, metallic colored high heeled shoes, and has a white flower tucked in her shoulder length hair. The rest of the image is in dark shadows. The photographer’s mark, printed in the negative in the bottom left corner reads, [Bloom / CHICAGO]. There is an inscription in blue ink at the bottom right quadrant of the image that reads, [To Laurie / Who’s / Undecided / Why I’ll / never know / Love / Catherine].

2013.46.25.122: A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of woman posing against a wall. The woman is centrally depicted standing on grass, against a low stone wall. She is standing with her proper left foot held slightly forward of her proper right foot. Her proper right hand is resting in her waist and her proper left arm is resting at her side. She is wearing a black dress with small white polka dots, a black belt, and a white bolero jacket with the letters [BA] embroidered in matching polka dot fabric on her proper left shoulder. She also has a matching polka dot handkerchief tucked into the small pocket above the embroidered letters. She is wearing a small cap perched slightly to the left side of the image and is holding white gloves in her proper left hand. Text printed in the negative in the bottom left corner reads, [M.L. #76].

Topic

African American

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.121-.122

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Cathrell, Laura, 1915 - 1999

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (24.1 × 19 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 in. (25.3 × 20.3 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1938

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Laura Cathrell performing on stage. Cathrell is centrally depicted, standing behind a microphone on a stage. She is standing in three quarters profile, looking towards the left side of the image. She is wearing a short, light colored, dress costume with wide, elbow length sleeves. Two (2) female performers are depicted walking across the stage towards the right side of the image behind Cathrell. They are both wearing short, sequined dress costumes with wide collars. They are also wearing metallic headbands. Newsprint is adhered to the back of the photograph. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Entertainers

Music

Nightlife

Photography

Theatre

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.123

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Maurice Seymour Studio, American, founded 1929

Subject of

Anderson, Ivie, American, 1905 - 1949

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 × 7 3/8 in. (24 × 18.8 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.2 × 20.2 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Place made

Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date

1930-1942

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Ivie Anderson. Anderson is depicted from the chest up, against a white background. She is depicted in profile, with her head turned towards the viewer. Her chin is tilted down and resting on her proper right shoulder. Anderson is wearing a light colored, halter neck garment. Her hair is pulled back and styled in an up-do. The photographer's mark, printed in the negative, in the bottom center reads, [Maurice / Chicago]. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Jazz (Music)

Photography

Singers (Musicians)

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.128

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Unidentified Man or Men

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 9 7/16 × 7 1/2 in. (24 × 19 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.3 × 20.2 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

early 20th-mid 20th century

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a man and a woman. Both the man and woman are depicted mostly nude, with the woman wearing light colored panties, and the male wearing a small garment over his hips. The woman is standing in a three quarters pose, with her body turned towards the right side of the image, and her proper left leg held slightly forward. Both of her arms rounded, raised above, and held slightly forward of her head. She is looking upwards. She is standing between the man’s legs. The man is kneeling on his proper right knee, just behind the woman. His torso is turned towards the woman’s body and his proper left hand is resting on her stomach. His eyes are closed and his chin is slightly raised. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Dance

Photography

Sexuality

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.129

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Printed by

Orcajo Photo Art, American

Subject of

Unidentified Man or Men

Cuban Knights Social Club

St. Louis Crackerjacks, American, 1938

West End Hall, American

Green, Harold

Medium

ink on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 3 7/16 × 5 7/16 in. (8.7 × 13.8 cm)

Type

portraits

photographic postcards

Place depicted

Saint Louis, Missouri, United States, North and Central America

Place printed

Dayton, Montgomery County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America

Date

1937

Description

A photographic postcard featuring a sepia toned image of twelve (12) young men dressed similarly in white jackets with medium toned lapels, dark pants, and dark ties with tie clips. They are arranged in two (2) rows, with five (5) seated in front and seven (7) standing at the back. The three (3) men in the center of the front row are holding a sign that reads [CUBAN KNIGHTS / Social Club]. The number [3217] is printed in the negative, in the bottom left corner. The back of the postcard has the text [POST CARD] printed at the top in black and traced over by hand in pencil. The left half of the page has black printed text that reads [CORRESPONDENCE / Dear Friend: / You are invited to our / ANNUAL FREE MATINEE / West End Hall / Vandeventer and Finney Aves. / Sunday, April 11, '37 4-8 p.m. / Music by / ST. LOUIS CRACKERJACKS / Admission and Checking Free / Thanking you, / The Cuban Knights / Courtesy fee 15c]. The name of the manufacturer, [ORCAJO PHOTO ART, DAYTON, OHIO], is printed vertically to the left of the text. The right half is addressed [To / Sally Cathell / From / Harold Green], handwritten in pencil.

Transcription Center Status

Transcribed by digital volunteers

Topic

African American

American West

Correspondence

Fraternal organizations

Jazz (Music)

Nightlife

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.13

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

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National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Memorabilia and Ephemera

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Photograph by

Unidentified

Subject of

Unidentified Woman or Women

Medium

silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper

Dimensions

H x W (Image): 7 3/8 × 9 5/8 in. (18.8 × 24.5 cm)

H x W (Sheet): 7 15/16 × 10 1/8 in. (20.2 × 25.7 cm)

Type

gelatin silver prints

portraits

Date

ca. 1936

Description

A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a woman. She is depicted from the shoulders up, with her arms stacked on a surface in front of her, and with her chin propped on her proper left wrist. She is wearing a white, sleeveless garment and a metal bracelet cuff on her proper left wrist. Her proper right shoulder is heavily shadowed. The image has a black, hexagonal frame surrounding the subject. There are notations in pencil on the back of the photograph.

Topic

African American

Photography

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number

2013.46.25.130

Restrictions & Rights

Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Collection title

The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection

Classification

Media Arts-Photography

Data Source

National Museum of African American History and Culture