James Van Der Zee - Couple, Harlem (1932)

Gelatin silver print, 8 in. × 9 15/16 in. (20.3 × 25.2 cm)

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.

James Van Der Zee 1886 - 1983

This is my absolute favorite photo by James Van Der Zee. It just screams “Black excellence, opulence, decadence” - (word to Jay-Z). I would love to know how much the brownstones were back then; oh, if I could go back in time (minus the racism and segregation), I would purchase one with the quickness.

About the photo...

Posed on a residential street in Harlem, New York, this stylish couple is cocooned in signifiers of success: their luxurious automobile, his-and-hers raccoon coats, and serene expressions together create a powerful aura of contentment. Their Cadillac V-16, a top-of-the-line model sold from 1930 to 1940, is the star of the picture. Both expensive and exclusive—only about four thousand were made—each car came with a chassis customized for its owner. The lustrous paint and gleaming chrome of this convertible exemplify the couple’s wealth and security, rarities in the United States during the Great Depression.

The handsome pair captured here looks wholly at home on West 127th Street. From the shimmer of her shoes to the line of light bouncing off his hat brim, every detail of their image exudes polish and prosperity - source

On view at The Met: Exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism