Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
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Period: Mid-20th Century
Marilyn Monroe Posing in Studio, ca. 1950s, 18, 1 x 23, 9 cm
Located in Cologne, DE
Norma Jeane Mortenson or better known as Marilyn Monroe – iconic, beautiful and maybe the most known Hollywood Stars of the 20th century. Born and raised in Los Angeles, USA, she spe...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White
Sylva Koscina - Vintage Photo - 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
Sylva Koscina - Vintage Photo is a vintage black and white photograph realized in the 1960s.
Good conditions.
Sylva Koscina is considered one of the be...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Pamplona, Spain, 1936, Civil War, View from a tower
By Erich Andres
Located in Cologne, DE
Silver Gelatin Print by Erich Andres, 1936.
Andres was born 1905 in Germany and passed away 1992. He started his career as a photographer in 1920. He was one of the first photographe...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
$417 Sale Price
30% Off
Jackie Kennedy, Ari Onassis, Black and White Photography, 1969, 20, 2 x 25, 2 cm
By Ron Galella
Located in Cologne, DE
Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis (July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994) was an American socialite, writer, and photographer who became First Lady of the United States as the wife of President John F. Kennedy. Her popularity as First Lady was due to her devotion to historical preservation of the White House, her fashion sense, and her devotion to her children, which endeared her to the American public. During her lifetime, Jackie was regarded as an international fashion icon. Her ensemble of a pink Chanel suit and matching pillbox hat that she wore in Dallas, Texas, when the president was assassinated on November 22, 1963, has become a symbol of her husband's death.
(wikipedia)
Description: Jackie Kennedy, Ari Onassis...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
Lauren Bacall and Humphrey Bogart at the Oscars
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features actor Humphrey Bogart and actress Lauren Bacall standing side by side at the 1954 Oscar Wards.
Humphrey Bogart, nicknamed Bogie, was an Amer...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Vintage Print Silver Gelatin Signed Photograph Sidney Janis, Conrad Janis, NYC
Located in Surfside, FL
signed in ink and with photographer stamp verso and hand written title.
Sidney Janis (July 8, 1896 – November 23, 1989) was a wealthy clothing manufacturer and art collector who ope...
Category
American Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
Broadway choreographer and director Joe Layton, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of Broadway choreographer and director Joe Layton - 1960. Signed on the print verso. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a ...
Category
Pop Art Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
$1,250 Sale Price
37% Off
La ciminiera non è sua, Canada 1955 - Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition
During the 15 years during which he gave himself to photography, Fabrizio La Torre traveled to Italy, Europe, North America and Asia. From everywhe...
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, and George Jessel
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Circa 1952 in Los Angeles, California: Bud Abbott and Lou Costello with George Jessel in suits with old West sheriff star badges.
Abbott and Costello were an American comedy duo c...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Fratello & Sorella, 1961 Limited Edition Photorealist Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Print called "Art 2014", format 42 x 60 cm. SERIES OF 5 PRINTS + 2 AP
Artwork sold in perfect condition
During the 15 year period in which Fabrizio La Torre dedicated himself to phot...
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Gill with Pillow
By Sam Haskins
Located in New York, NY
Archival pigment print
Date stamped with facsimile of signature in grey ink, l.r.
This photograph is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City.
About the artist:
Born and raised in South Africa...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
100th Anniversary Celebration Coffret # 5 - Charms - 1956 - Vintage Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Fabrizio La Torre’s 100th Anniversary Celebration (1921-2021) Set # 4 - Charms
Limited edition of 100 Coffrets for each themes, all artworks printed...
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Hugh Marlowe Classical Studio Portrait
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Black and white studio portrait of actor Hugh Marlowe by Frank Worth.
Hugh Marlowe was an American film, television, stage and radio actor. Marlowe was usually a secondary lead or ...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Death Valley (Clouds)
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Signed and dated on the front of the mount. Titled ‘Death Valley’ with negative code on the back of mount. Negative cod DV-39C-9G. Edward Weston was the first photographer ever to wi...
Category
Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Frida with her Godson New York City, NY
Located in Denton, TX
Open Edition
Signed in black ink on print margin.
Artist label on mat verso.
Paper size: 11 x 14 in. Image size: 6 1/4 x 9 in.
“In a well lighted room was Diego reading the paper. I...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Seduti sul Pulcino, 1956 - Contemporary Photorealist Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Print called "Art 2014", format 42 x 60 cm. SERIES OF 5 PRINTS + 2 AP
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Very close to the Pantheon, a marble work by Bernini (1667) to support a small...
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Bambini per la strada, New York, 1955 Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Bambini per la strada, New York décembre 1955 - Black and White Photography
Artwork sold in perfect condition
During the 15 year period in which Fabrizio La Torre dedicated himself t...
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Private Transport
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gladys 'Patsy' Bartlett (1928 - 2011, née Pulitzer, later Pulitzer Preston) rummaging in her bag on the seat of an open car, 1954. The car is parked by a plane belonging to the Everg...
Category
American Realist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Emulsion, Photographic Paper, ABS, Black and White, Digital, Photogram
First Looks over Canada, 1955 - # 1 Limited Edition Black & White Photography
Located in Brussels, BE
Artwork sold in perfect condition
Coffret Collector including 6 Fine Art Prints
During the 15 years during which he gave himself to photography, Fabrizio La Torre traveled to Italy, Europe, North America and Asia. From everywhere he brought back photos that tell of the human, universal and soul-filled condition, to which he was so sensitive. Here is First Look at Canada, where Fabrizio La Torre stayed in November and December 1955, on a 6-month trip to North America which also took him to Canada and California. In Montreal, he could not resist the urge to travel aboard the "Canadian", the most modern and luxurious version of the Canadian Pacific train, inaugurated a few months earlier, on April 24, 1955. And even if the official story of this company claims that as from this inauguration the train was pulled by modern diesel locomotives, the heavy steam engines are still used, to the delight of the photographer who knows how to play with their big white plumes. In stations, on platforms, steam is everywhere; while the temperature is around - 30°C, steam is welcome to thaw the axles, often blocked by ice.
1 - "The Rex Hotel", Toronto, November 1955. A cold, grey day with snow not far away, silhouettes of men in...
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Pigment
Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall at Oscars
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Candid black and white capture of actor Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall at the Oscars, circa 1952.
On May 21, 1945, Bacall married actor Humphrey Bogart, 25 years her senior. The...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Abbie Hoffman photograph, Detroit 1960s
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Abbie Hoffman photograph by Leni Sinclair
Set in Ann Arbor, MI, 1969, this rare, classic image of a young Abbie Hoffman was captured by none other than,...
Category
Pop Art Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Inkjet
Backgammon By The Pool, Palm Beach, Estate Edition, Portrait Photograph
By Slim Aarons
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This late 1950s portrait photograph, captured by society photographer Slim Aarons, features Countess Peter Jean-Baptiste de Manio (left) and Mary-Beth Turner playing backgammon by a ...
Category
American Realist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Emulsion, Photographic Paper, ABS, Black and White, Digital, Photogram
Pop Artist Roy Lichtenstein & wife Dorothy, signed by Jack Mitchell
Located in Senoia, GA
11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and his wife Dorothy photographed in his Manhattan loft, 1968. Signed by Jack Mitchell on the print verso. C...
Category
Pop Art Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
$1,275 Sale Price
36% Off
Bette Davis: The Petrified Forest
By Elmer Fryer
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features American actress of film, television, and theater, Bette Davis. Regarded as one of the greatest actresses in Hollywood history...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Ecuador, Boys, Montecristi, Black and White Photography, 1960s, 16, 2 x 23 cm
Located in Cologne, DE
Hanna Seidel (1925 to 2005) lived and worked in Argentina for many years. She was a world traveller, journeying to South America in the 1950s and to Central America, Japan, India, an...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
Two bellow a Tree Photography Paris Signed
By Karol Kallay
Located in Slovak Republic, SK
Original black-white photograph, photographer Karol Kállay, picture shooted in 1966 for a German publisher / book about Paris. Signed by the author on the back.
Category
Photorealist Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
$582 Sale Price
84% Off
Man with the Golden Arm - poker table with Algren circa 1949, Photo Signed
By Art Shay
Located in Chicago, IL
Nelson Algren and others gather around a poker table. Framing options available.
Art Shay
Man with the Golden Arm, 1949
silver gelatin print, printed circa 2016
16h x 20w in
40.64h ...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Clark Gable Posed on Sound Stage II
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features Clark Gable pose on a sound stage, circa 1931.
Clark Gable was an American film actor and military officer, often referred to as "The King of...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Elizabeth Taylor Spinning Lasso in "Giant"
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white action shot features actress Elizabeth Taylor swinging a lasso on the set of "Giant", 1955.
Giant is a 1956 American epic Western drama film directed by George Stevens from a screenplay adapted by Fred Guiol and Ivan Moffat from Edna Ferber...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Marilyn Monroe, unique print of 1988 from original negative
Located in Cologne, DE
Ed Feingersh photographed Marilyn Monroe for Redbook magazine in March 1955 for a story which would follow Monroe through her daily routine, the photography to be candid and shot wit...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Sculptor Marisol (Maria Sol Escobar) in her NYC studio
Located in Senoia, GA
11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of sculptor Marisol (Maria Sol Escobar) photographed in her New York City studio with her sculpture “Guy” in 1968. Comes directly from the ...
Category
Pop Art Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
$1,500 Sale Price
50% Off
John Lennon Skiing By Arthur Steel
By Arthur Steel
Located in London, GB
John Lennon Skiing
By Arthur Steel
Paper size: 44 x 33.5" / 112 x 85 cm
Silver Gelatin Print
1960 (printed later)
unframed
hand signed
limited edition of 30
note other print siz...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Vintage Signed Silver Gelatin Photograph Paul Georges Studio Painting Photo
Located in Surfside, FL
Paul Georges with Painting Jan 6, 1967
Photographer is Fred McDarrah
Over a 50-year span, McDarrah documented the rise of the Beat Generation, the city’s postmodern art movement, its off-off-Broadway actors, troubadours, politicians, agitators and social protests.
Fred captured Jack Kerouac frolicking with women at a New Year’s bash in 1958, Andy Warhol adjusting a movie-camera lens in his silver-covered factory, and Bob Dylan offering a salute of recognition outside Sheridan Square near the Voice’s old office.
Not just a social chronicler, McDarrah was a great photo-journalist.
For years, McDarrah was the Voice's only photographer and, for decades, he ran the Voice’s photo department, where he helped train dozens of young photographers, including James Hamilton, Sylvia Plachy, Robin Holland...
Category
American Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Elizabeth Taylor with Sunglasses for "Giant"
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
This iconic and elegant portrait captured by celebrity photographer Frank Worth features actress Elizabeth Taylor on the set of the film "Giant" for her role as character Leslie Bene...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
New York City, Waterfront, Black and White, USA 1960s, 23, 4 x 17, 3 cm
By Erich Andres
Located in Cologne, DE
Silver Gelatine Print by Erich Andres, ca 1950.
Andres was born 1905 in Germany and passed away 1992. He started his career as a photographer in 1920. He was one of the first photogr...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin, Black and White
Eiffel Tower, Street Photography, Black and White, France 1950s, 17.9 x 13 cm
By Erich Andres
Located in Cologne, DE
Silver Gelatine Print by Erich Andres, ca 1950.
Andres was born 1905 in Germany and passed away 1992. He started his career as a photographer in 1920. He was one of the first photogr...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin, Black and White
Vic, Spain, Marketplace
By Erich Andres
Located in Cologne, DE
Silver Gelatin Print by Erich Andres, 1955.
Andres was born 1905 in Germany and passed away 1992. He started his career as a photographer in 1920. He was one of the first photographe...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
$417 Sale Price
30% Off
Marilyn Monroe with Classic Roadster for "How to Marry a Millionaire"
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Spectacular image of Marilyn Monroe leaning on a classic car on the set of "How to Marry a Millionaire", 1953.
In the early 1950s, Monroe became a popular actress with roles in sev...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Smiling
Located in Austin, TX
This awesome black and white capture features Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. smiling.
Frank Sinatra was an American singer, actor, and producer who was one of the most popular an...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Jackie Kennedy & Frank Sinatra - Original Press
Located in Cologne, DE
Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis (July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994) was an American socialite, writer, and photographer who became First Lady of the United States as the wife of P...
Category
Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White
Paris, 1930s, Carriages and Cars - Silver Gelatin Black and White Photography
Located in Atlanta, GA
A unique original silver gelatin black and white photograph was shot by Press Agency Trampus. Paris, carriages, and cars, circa 1930.
Features:
Original silver gelatin print photogra...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Marlene Dietrich: Stunning Glamour
By A.L. Whitey Schafer
Located in Austin, TX
Lovely glamour portrait of the impeccable Marlene Dietrich in an elegant sequined dress.
Marlene Dietrich was a German-American actress and singer, who remained popular throughout ...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Soviet Scientists in 1960s - Vintage B/W photo
Located in Roma, IT
Soviet scientists is an original photograph realized by an Anonymous photographer.
Typed notes on the rear, the description in Italian.
Good conditions.
In the photo from left: Kr...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
The Moon and Mars
Located in Austin, TX
Carly Anne Amos, in collaboration with Globe Photos, brings you a new collection of gorgeous twists to classic icons from our archives.
Carly Anne is a streetwear designer (The Colo...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
John Wayne and Lauren Bacall in Blood Alley
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white portrait features John Wayne, nicknamed Duke, an American actor and filmmaker. An Academy Award-winner for True Grit, Wayne was among the top box office draws fo...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
Audrey Hepburn in Paris When It Sizzles
By Amleto Calzolari
Located in Austin, TX
Black and white film still of Audrey Hepburn and William Holden in "Paris When it Sizzles", circa 1964.
Paris When It Sizzles is a 1964 American romantic comedy film directed by Ri...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Marlene Dietrich in Feathers
By A.L. Whitey Schafer
Located in Austin, TX
This elegant portrait features the elegant Hollywood legend, Marlene Dietrich, posed in a tall feathered hat.
Marie Magdalene "Marlene" Dietrich was a German-American actress and s...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Marilyn Monroe Glows at ANPA
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Black and white candid portrait of Marilyn Monroe and Milton Berle standing on stage and smiling into the microphone. Together they stood on stage of The Banshees Welcome Editors and...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Audrey Hepburn "The Nun's Story"
By Leo L. Fuchs
Located in Austin, TX
Audrey Hepburn standing on what seems to be a wood branch bridge taking a portrait for the 1959 film "The Nun's Story".
British actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn is regarded...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Audrey Hepburn on Set of "The Nun's Story"
By Leo L. Fuchs
Located in Austin, TX
This black and white full-length image features actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn on the set of "A Nun's Story" in 1959.
Audrey Hepburn was a British actress and humanitarian...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Actor Carroll O'Connor studio portrait
Located in Senoia, GA
11 x 14" vintage silver gelatin photograph of 'All in the Family' actor Carroll O'Connor, 1983. Comes directly from the Jack Mitchell Archives with a certificate of authenticity.
...
Category
Pop Art Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
$1,500 Sale Price
40% Off
Paris during the Great Depression circa 1930, Silver Gelatin B and W Photography
Located in Atlanta, GA
A unique original silver gelatin black and white photograph by Press Agency Keystone View Co, Paris. Paris during the Great Depression, circa 1930...
Category
Art Deco Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Elizabeth Taylor Flipping with James Dean
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
An image of James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor dancing behind the scenes of the 1950s film "Giant".
Giant is a 1956 American epic Western drama film directed by George Stevens from a screenplay adapted by Fred Guiol and Ivan Moffat from Edna Ferber...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
Frank Sinatra Leaning on Tbird
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Great capture of Frank Sinatra standing with his classic TBird in a garage driveway.
Frank Sinatra was an American singer and actor who was one of the most popular and influential ...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
New York - Skyline, Black and White Photography, USA ca. 1960s, 17, 4 x 23.3 cm
By Erich Andres
Located in Cologne, DE
Silver Gelatine Print by Erich Andres, ca 1950.
Andres was born 1905 in Germany and passed away 1992. He started his career as a photographer in 1920. He was one of the first photogr...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin, Black and White
Picture Frame Westminster Bridge by Arthur Steel
By Arthur Steel
Located in London, GB
Picture Frame Westminster Bridge
by Arthur Steel
WESTMINSTER BRIDGE LONDON 1969
All prints are hand signed limited editions, no further prints ...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Silver Gelatin
Benton walking dog (Thomas Hart Benton Plate #6)
Located in Kansas City, MO
Michael Mardikes
Benton walking dog (Thomas Hart Benton Plate #6)
Year: 1956, 2021
Pigment Ink on Archival Paper Photograph
Image Size: 19x13.5 in
Paper Size: 22x17 in
Edition: Unique
Monogrammed by hand
Label signed and numbered by Estate Representative
COA provided by Authorizing Body
Additional COA provided by representing Gallery
Ref.: 924802-908
Image included in the exhibition An Artist at Home in America: Michael Mardikes’ Photographs of Thomas Hart Benton at the Kansas City Public Library (November 20, 2021-May 15, 2022)
One night in late 2020, as Nick Vedros was leaving the home of his Aunt Myrt and Uncle Michael Mardikes, his aunt suddenly asked him, “What are we going to do with all the negatives?” The noted Kansas City photographer was not sure what his 89-year-old aunt was talking about, until she handed him a notebook filled with more than 1000 negatives chronicling Thomas Hart Benton at home and in his studio. They had been filed away for almost seven decades.
This startling discovery was the inspiration for the exhibition, “An Artist at Home in America: Michael Mardikes’ Photographs of Thomas Hart Benton” on view at the Kansas City Public Library Central Library. The exhibition is a must-see, not just for fans of Thomas Hart Benton but for devotees of exemplary photojournalism.
Of the 1,080 photographs Mardikes took, only four had been published in an article he wrote for “This Month in Kansas City” magazine in 1966. The others were never printed, nor was their existence common knowledge. Although Vedros had been aware of his uncle’s assignment with Benton, he was stunned to discover that so much additional material existed.
Vedros, who decided at age 12 to become a photographer himself after seeing his uncle’s work, was determined to organize an exhibition, and was especially interested in doing it as quickly as possible given his uncle’s advanced age and increasing frailty. Collaborating with Dan White, a photographer, master printer and friend since their time together at the University of Missouri journalism school, they selected 34 images to be printed and framed, researching the details with Steve Sitton, the director of the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio Historic Site.
Michael Mardikes had had a brief career as a commercial photographer before going on to work in management at the Ford Motor Company and later at UMKC. He made the acquaintance of Benton through Eugene Pyle, a former student of Benton’s and Mardikes’ photography instructor at the Art Institute. In 1955, Benton asked Mardikes to photograph him; Mardikes visited Benton 35 to 40 times, over a period of a few months in late 1955 and early 1956. Sitton told Vedros that not only was Mardikes’ amount of access incredible, but that the resulting body of work was unmatched.
As the project progressed, Benton became focused on a mural commission for the River Club in 1956. Henry Adams, preeminent Benton scholar and former curator at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, provided some context for this particular work: “The commission to paint ‘Traders at Westport Landing’ came at a low point in Benton’s career, 1956, and initiated the late phase of Benton’s mural paintings. It was the first of a series of murals depicting the exploration and settlement of the west, which culminated in the Truman Library mural, which was completed in 1962. All these murals feature trading and friendly contact with the Indians, rather than conflict, and are arresting in their bright color and meticulous rendering of carefully researched detail. The River Club, which commissioned ‘Traders at Westport Landing,’ overlooks the Missouri River and has a panoramic view very similar to the one in Benton’s painting.”
This group of black and white photos not only documents the artist’s working process but also reveals other aspects of his daily life: one memorable image reveals Rita Benton massaging her husband’s stiff shoulders after a long day in his studio. Other images show members of the River Club board visiting Benton’s studio to check on the progress of the mural. One charming image captures a candid moment of Rita Benton and Myrt Mardikes as they collaborated in the Benton kitchen making chicken kapama for their husbands.
Nan Chisholm
Nan Chisholm is an art consultant and appraiser of 19th- and 20th-century paintings. After a long association with Sotheby’s, she founded her own business in 2003. She has appeared as a fine art appraiser...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$2,989 Sale Price
56% Off
Colombia, Boat, Black and White Photography, 1960s, 24, 8 x 24, 4 cm
Located in Cologne, DE
Hanna Seidel (1925 to 2005) lived and worked in Argentina for many years. She was a world traveller, journeying to South America in the 1950s and to Central America, Japan, India, an...
Category
Modern Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
Mussolini During The Anniversary of the city of Rome - Vintage Photo - 1937
Located in Roma, IT
'Mussolini During The Anniversary of Rome' is a b/w photographic print on glazed paper. Stamp of agency Trampus, Paris and cliché applied on the back, realized in Rome on 29 October...
Category
Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Photographic Paper
Debra Paget in Dramatic Portrait
By Frank Worth
Located in Austin, TX
Black and white portrait of actress Debra Paget in a high contrast dramatic head-and-shoulders portrait.
Debra Paget is an American actress and entertainer. She is perhaps best kno...
Category
Contemporary Mid-20th Century Black and White Photography
Materials
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment
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This Photo of Big Sur Reveals the Awesomeness and Intimacy of Nature
When a beachcomber accidentally stepped in front of Jeffrey Conley’s camera, a perfect moment was captured.
Queen Elizabeth’s Life in Photos
She was one of the most photographed women in history, but the world’s longest-reigning queen remained something of a mystery throughout her decades on the throne.
Photographer to Know: William Klein
The noted lensman brought a bold sense of irony to fashion photography in the 1950s and '60s, transforming the industry. But his work in street photography, documentary filmmaking and abstract art is just as striking.
David Yarrow Tells Us the Tales behind His Wild, Wild Photography
To capture many of the cinematic images in his new show, the famed photographer traveled to the still-rugged parts of Alaska and the Rocky Mountains, shooting supermodels and carnivores alike.
Lori Grinker’s Artful Photographs of a Young Mike Tyson Are a Knockout!
The New York photographer tells us how an encounter with the then-13-year-old boxer led to a decade-long project that saw them both go pro.
John Dolan’s Photographs Capture the Art and Soul of a Wedding Day
In a new book compiling 30 years' worth of images, the photographer reveals that it's the in-between moments that make a wedding special.
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