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].
Place captured
Paris, France, Europe
Classification
Photographs and Still Images
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.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f7da1cfe-accc-483d-a685-c212d3cbc694

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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