Lot 187: Louise Dahl-Wolfe Signed Photograph, William Edmondson Sculpting

Louise Dahl-Wolfe (American, 1895-1989) signed silver gelatin photograph depicting the African American sculptor William Edmondson (Tennessee, 1874-1951). Edmondson is seated, attired in his signature hat and overalls, and finishing a sculpture of a woman while in his Nashville workshop, with other sculptures visible through the door. Circa 1930s. Signed in pencil to mat, lower right. Float mounted on cream cardstock and housed in a contemporary black metal frame. Photograph: 8 3/8" H x 7 3/8" W. Framed: 18 1/2" H x 17 1/4" W. Note: "Louise Dahl-Wolfe was one of the most significant photographers to work in Tennessee. Although she is best remembered for her accomplishments in fashion, Dahl-Wolfe's portraits of limestone sculptor William Edmondson are among her most impactful works. In the late 1930s, Edmondson welcomed Dahl-Wolfe to his Nashville workyard, where she photographed him with his remarkable limestone carvings. She then shared her images with Alfred H. Barr Jr., founding director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and used the images to advocate for the artist's significance. Edmondson, little known outside of Nashville then, became the first Black artist to have a solo exhibition at MoMA in 1937. Dahl-Wolfe's photographs caused Edmondson's name, likeness, and art to travel further than the man himself ever did. As the person who crafted these portraits, Dahl-Wolfe played an active role in shaping how the world saw Edmondson and how his art was perceived." (Source: The Tennessee State Museum).

PROVENANCE: Private Middle Tennessee Collection.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, with very slight wear to upper and lower right corners.