Real Black gangsters, I guess.
Criminals from the 1950s, but presumed, I am afraid, guilty until proven otherwise.
Given attitudes, practices and institutional racism when taken, these sharp-dressers might have been just walking to work.
Striking
Photographs, each near 8" x 10" and each handed back and forth from
lawyers, prosecutors, file clerks and now collectors. Another reminder
that the photograph was a tool and a physical object which developed
surface, wear and form as it aged.
Jim Linderman's newest book of photographs is THE BIRTH OF ROCK AND ROLL and is available from the publisher DUST TO DIGITAL, AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE AND OTHER FINE RETAIL OUTLETS.
An unusual miniature Trompe L'oeil drawing seems to depict Real Photo Postcards circa 1910. Trompe L'oeil drawing is intended to "trick the eye" into seeing three dimensional objects rendered in painted or drawn detail. This miniature drawing shows three real photo postcards atop the cover of a book. As such, it represents how RPPC images had become common objects early in the 20th century, and also that they were familiar enough to be used by visual artists. Gems by the Wayside was a collection of religious and domestic poems published in 1855 by Lydia Odell Baxter, an invalid bible student and writer who passed away in 1874. I find no information as to when volume 2 was published. The signature of the artist is illegible. The book is only 3" x 4" and the post card "on top" is only 1.5" x 2.5". Circa 1910 Collection Jim Linderman
Old Folk Art Sign STAR Greenhouses Big Rapids. 55" x 16" The operation apparently burned down in the 1940s. Plywood with cutout letters and original paint circa 1940 Collection Jim Linderman
A group of primitive still life art lessons 1917
Man in a hurry. Interestingly, his arms move but his legs do not. He's suspended and stuck! Folk art carvings are usually frontal and frozen, but this fellow is late for the train.
Anonymous folk art sculpture collection Jim Linderman
Rubber Pinups for your Drink Glass. Miss Pin Up must not have been successful, as I find nothing about her (them) on the web. They wiggle like bait!
Miss Pin-Up erotic novelty drink hooks Modern Sales Co. Collection Jim Linderman
Antique Patriotic Folk Art Sculpture Red White and Blue Monsters all by the same hand. Circa 1930? Collection Jim Linderman
A Calligraphy Pen becomes an extension of an arm in this early and primitive exercise. I am sure sometimes it felt like that. Today, I can't even use a pen too long without my hand betting sore.
Calligraphy penmanship exercise. "Cigars" Collection Jim Linderman
A pair of zebras. On reverse Photograph by Frank A. Fernekes, Hollywood California. "Backstage" at a circus with a line of performers waiting their turn. Frank Fernekes (1872-1953) was a commercial photographer with an
interest in circus and Wild West themes; he was born and resided in New
York until sometime before 1927, then moved permanently to Hollywood,
California and was active through the 1940s. More information about the photographer is HERE at Duke University Libraries special collection.
Circus Photograph by Frank A. Fernekes Collection Jim Linderman
