YOUSUF KARSH (1908-2002) Portrait of Paul Robeson. Toned silver print, the image measuring 9 1/4x7 1/4 inches (23.5x18.4 cm.), the sheet slightly larger, the mount 13 1/4x10 1/2 inches (33.6x26.7 cm.), with Karsh's signature in ink on print recto and Robeson's signature and inscription in ink in the image on recto. 1941
Provenance: Neil MacDonald
Karsh recalled this sitting: "I invited this all-American athlete and gifted performer to be photographed after hearing his concert in Ottawa. His magnificent voice turned the theater into a cathedral. The next day, during our photographic session, he regaled me with spirituals of such surpassing beauty that I wanted to share them with my wife. Robeson was introduced to her over the telephone, and Solange had a private concert all her own."
