Description

Hugo Gellert's portrait of actor Paul Robeson illustrated a 1928 New Yorker "Profiles" feature. Acclaimed for his leading roles in the musical Show Boat and some of Eugene O'Neill's plays, Robeson was at the height of his popularity despite his controversial, left-wing political activism. Gellert shared his commitment to fight for social justice through art, and the two became friends.Despite its modest size, the isolated head has a monumental quality that conveys Robeson's dignified personality, rich bass voice, and commanding stage presence. The cubist-influenced stylization-dark crescents of shading, zigzagging rows of hair, and angular faceting of the features-sets up strong rhythmic patterns that add to its power. Gellert exhibited a copy of the portrait at the 1939 New York World's Fair and later incorporated the image into a mural of famous Americans.

Record Contributed By

National Portrait Gallery

Record Harvested From

Smithsonian Institution