Tag Archives: a closer look

“I typed my own captions for my pictures”

Posted on March 11, 2020 by Christopher George

Unidentified Photographer, [Weegee putting on boots, New York], ca. 1943 (19767.1993) Weegee (1899-1968), [Weegee at his typewriter in the trunk of his 1938 Chevy, New York], ca. 1943 (19639.1993) Weegee’s Naked City is perhaps the only book in the entire … Continue reading →

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“And what is reason? and what is love? and what is life?”

Posted on May 31, 2019 by Christopher George

George Frank Edgar Pearsall, [Walt Whitman], September 1872 (24.2004) Walt Whitman, Song of the Exposition, 5. You shall see hands at work at all the old processes and all the new ones, You shall see the various grains and how … Continue reading →

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“Ah! what tales might those pictures tell if their mute lips had the power of speech!”

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Christopher George

G.F.E. Pearsall, [Walt Whitman], September 1872 (24.2004) Attributed to J. C. Tarisse, [Walt Whitman], ca. 1869 (2010.41.3) “W. always objected to sending out these pictures because the photographer has immodestly painted the cheeks. N.J. 1908” (Written on verso) Whitman disapproved … Continue reading →

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Eye See

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Christopher George

Unidentified Photographer, [Unidentified Man], ca. 1865-70, (2014.18.1) This tintype is striking. The portrait, a recent acquisition, is large: a full-plate, 8 3/8 x 6 3/8 inches. There’s a thoughtful minimalism. The sitter is sublime, with abundant and equine facial hair. … Continue reading →

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“How are you all?”

Posted on May 2, 2017 by Christopher George

Unidentified Photographer, [W.L. Howell outside his studio. Olney, Illinois], 1910 (2014.15.2) Mrs. E. R. Pygott, Sesser, Ill. Olney, Ill, 29, 10 Dear Sister, How are you all? We are well and we would appreciate a few words from you to … Continue reading →

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A Closer Look at a Mike Disfarmer Photo

Posted on May 1, 2017 by Christopher George

Mike Disfarmer (1884-1959), [Group photo, Heber Springs, Arkansas], 1930s (2014.65.7) Disfarmer’s photos are well-known and sometimes well-used. They are small, often about 4 1/2 x 3 inches. And always portraits, usually of one or perhaps a pair of people, presumably … Continue reading →

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