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Walker Evans

A work made of gelatin silver print.

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  • A work made of gelatin silver print.

Date:

1929

Artist:

Paul Grotz
American, 1902–1990

About this artwork

Paul Grotz arrived in New York in 1928, and in the following year he moved in with Walker Evans, who would become one of the most influential artists in the history of the medium, known for his direct and clear-eyed photographs of everyday America. Grotz, meanwhile, became an architect and editor of Architectural Forum magazine. The two young roommates routinely roamed the streets of New York together in 1929–30, photographing high-rises and skylines. Evans often borrowed Grotz’s Leica—the new lightweight, handheld camera with 35mm film rolls. As the two men grew to be close friends, they staged a series of intimate portraits of one another while experimenting with pose, shadow, and camera angle. In this image, Grotz captured his companion’s characteristic reserve. Chin in hand, Evans might be pensive, bored, or perhaps feigning aloofness for the sake of a compelling portrait.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Photography and Media

Artist

Paul Grotz

Title

Walker Evans

Place

United States (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1929

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Dimensions

Image/paper: 20.5 × 13.6 cm (8 1/8 × 5 3/8 in.); Mount: 30.7 × 23.2 cm (12 1/8 × 9 3/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of David C. and Sarajean Ruttenberg

Reference Number

1991.1179

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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