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Robert Blackburn

Ronald Joseph American
ca. 1937
Not on view
The setting in which Robert Blackburn is casually posed would have been very familiar to him and the artist, Ronald Joseph. It was the WPA-sponsored Harlem Community Art Center where many young Black artists developed their printmaking skills. Notice in the background the large worktable and various cans and buckets that were used to hold water, paint, and ink. This print shows Joseph's skill as a draftsman and portraitist. Particularly noteworthy is his uncanny ability to capture both the likeness and personality of his sitter through distinctive body language, facial expression, and even clothing.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Robert Blackburn
  • Artist: Ronald Joseph (American, born St. Kitts, West Indies 1910–1992 Brussels, Belgium)
  • Date: ca. 1937
  • Medium: Lithograph
  • Dimensions: 19 3/4 × 14 1/2 in. (50.1 × 36.8 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 1999
  • Object Number: 1999.529.106
  • Curatorial Department: Modern and Contemporary Art

Audio

Cover Image for 2104. Robert Blackburn, Part 1

2104. Robert Blackburn, Part 1

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