Robert Blackburn

Ronald Joseph

ca. 1937 · Lithograph · Modern and Contemporary Art

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.

Artist

Ronald Joseph

Date

ca. 1937

Medium

Lithograph

Department

Modern and Contemporary Art

Credit line

Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 1999