Photograph by
Kriegsmann, James J., 1909 - 1994
Subject of
Robinson, Bill "Bojangles", American, 1878 - 1949
Date
ca. 1935
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (Image): 9 3/16 × 7 5/16 in. (23.4 × 18.5 cm)
H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 in. (25.3 × 20.3 cm)
Description
A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. Robinson is depicted wearing a white fedora, a light colored suit, and a dark patterned tie. He is facing the viewer with a wide smile. Robinson is depicted in a Truckin’ dance pose; standing on his proper right leg with his proper left lifted and bent behind him. His proper right arm is bent and lifted in front of his body with his index finger raised and pointed towards the top edge of the image. His proper left arm is held out behind him with his index finger pointing towards the floor. Robinson is standing against a plain white wall. The photographer's mark is printed in the negative in the bottom right corner: [James J / Kriegsmann / NY]. Robinson signed the front of the photograph at the left center of the image, in blue ink: [to a very / smart little / lady, Sally Jay(?) / wishing you / the best of / everything / Bill Bojangles / Robinson]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the image.
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
Classification
Photographs and Still Images
Type
gelatin silver prints
portraits
Topic
Entertainers
Photography
Tap dancing
Vaudeville
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2013.46.25.22
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d3ea373d-7c09-4b45-870e-833c2c0b7a23

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

Share this page