Photograph by
Unidentified
Subject of
Middleton, Velma, American, 1917 - 1961
Armstrong, Louis, American, 1901 - 1971
Date
1949
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (Image): 4 13/16 × 6 13/16 in. (12.3 × 17.3 cm)
H x W (Sheet): 5 1/8 × 7 1/16 in. (13 × 18 cm)
Description
A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Velma Middleton and Louis Armstrong. The two are depicted from the shoulders up sitting closely together, with their heads touching. Middleton is depicted playing a trumpet while Armstrong holds his proper left hand to his proper left ear. Middleton is wearing a dark top and looking towards the top of the image. Armstrong is wearing a white tuxedo, black bowtie, and is looking towards the left edge of the image. Armstrong has a comical expression on his face. Near the left corner of the image is an inscription in blue ink that reads, [X Marks / the spot / With Love / to Laura / Velma / Middleton]. Black text printed in the negative at the bottom right reads [BRUSSELS, '49]. There are no inscriptions on the back of the photograph.
Place captured
Brussels, Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest, Belgium, Europe
Collection title
The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
Classification
Photographs and Still Images
Type
gelatin silver prints
portraits
Topic
Conductors (Musicians)
Entertainers
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Jazz (Music)
Photography
Singers (Musicians)
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2013.46.25.70
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57a5b3864-8ab8-44ff-afb5-d419400163b5

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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