- Created by
- Reportages Photographiques Ruysdal
- Subject of
- Robinson, Clarence
- Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
- Moore, Tim, American, 1887 - 1958
- Leslie, Lew, 1888 - 1963
- Ray, Man, American, 1890 - 1976
- Gershwin, Ira, American, 1896 - 1983
- Hall, Adelaide, American, 1901 - 1993
- Joyce, James, Irish, 1882 - 1941
- Weill, Kurt, German, 1900 - 1950
- Ward, Aida, American, 1900 - 1984
- Welch, Elisabeth, American, 1904 - 2003
- McKinney, Nina Mae, American, 1912 - 1967
- Gordon, Ruth, American, 1896 - 1985
- Harris, Jed, Austrian American, 1900 - 1979
- Date
- 1929
- Medium
- photographic gelatin and silver on photographic paper
- Dimensions
- H x W: 9 3/8 x 11 11/16 in. (23.8 x 29.7 cm)
- Description
- Black and white silver gelatin photograph of a group portrait from the Christmas cast party for Lew Leslie's play, "Blackbirds of 1928," Paris production in 1929. The photograph depicts a large group arranged on a small stage in three rows, the first row seated on the edge of the stage, the second row seated on chairs, and the third row standing behind them. A dark curtain is visible in the background, with tables and chairs to the side and three light fixtures above. A small toy French bulldog is placed on the ground front and center of the group. Most individuals are looking towards the camera and smiling. The group photographed consists of members of the cast and crew of the production, as well as other guests, and includes Clarence Robinson, William Grant Still, Mantan Moreland, Tim Moore, Lew Leslie, Man Ray, Ira Gershwin, Adelaide Hall, James Joyce, Kurt Weill, Aida Ward, Elisabeth Welch, Nina Mae McKinney, Ruth Gordon and Jed Harris.
- At the bottom right corner of the photograph is a handwritten inscription in blue ink reading [To Marmetta / With Love / From Ruthie / Paris / 1929]. On the reverse is the photographer's stamp: [Reportages Photographiques Ruysdal].
- Classification
- Media Arts-Photography
- Movement
- Harlem Renaissance (New Negro Movement)
- Type
- gelatin silver prints
- portraits
- Topic
- Actors
- Broadway Theatre
- Composers (Musicians)
- Entertainers
- Holidays and festivals
- Literature
- Musical Theatre
- Nightlife
- Photography
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
- Object number
- 2011.57.27.1
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.