Beauford Delaney - Portrait of James Baldwin, 1965

Oil on canvas

Thursdays are dedicated to honoring artists who have passed away but whose contributions to the art world remain significant. Their impact should never be forgotten.

Beauford Delaney (American, 1901-1979)

Currently part of the Chrysler Museum of Art’s permanent collection.

Delaney met Baldwin in 1940, when the budding writer was only a teenager, and painted the portrait to celebrate their lifelong creative friendship. Delaney became a spiritual mentor to the Civil Rights activists based on their mutual struggles against homophobia, poverty, and racism.