Created by
Ellescas, Dick, American, 1937 - 2025
Subject of
Della Reese, American, 1937 - 2017
Date
circa 1970
Medium
ink on paper with glass and metal
Dimensions
H x W (drawing): 23 1/2 × 21 1/4 in. (59.7 × 54 cm)
H x W x D (frame): 27 1/4 × 24 1/4 × 3/4 in. (69.2 × 61.6 × 1.9 cm)
Description
Framed collage-style drawing by Richard "Dick" Ellescas featuring three images of Della Reese. The drawing is done entirely in black, gray, and white. In each image, she is pictured from the chest up, holding a microphone. The largest image is at the top right. It shows the woman with a gray streak in her black hair, her eyes closed, mouth open and hands raised. On the left, she wears a floral patterned garment, with her mouth open as if she is singing. The lowest image appears to have been done on a separate sheet of paper and overlaid with the other drawing. It shows her smiling and wearing a garment with a decorated neckline. The drawing is in a black metal frame on brown mat board with a tan border. The drawing is signed along a flower stem at lower left [dick Ellescas].
Classification
Visual Arts
Memorabilia and Ephemera - Other
Type
drawings
portraits
Topic
Actors
Entertainers
Singers (Musicians)
Television
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Rev. Della Reese-Lett and Mr. Franklin Lett
Object number
2015.150.3
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd545d7e746-126d-4bbb-a855-89d2fa70c151

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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