Harlem Photographer Captures Grief

James van der Zee

Untitled, New York

The Magnum Collection (US)

The above photograph is an excellent example of the highly stylized work of African American photographer James van der Zee.  Although untitled, the photograph clearly frames a moment of grief and enduring love.  The use of flowers at the feet, lap and in the hair of the woman is highly symbolic.  There is a photo in her lap, perhaps the deceased.  The ethereal image of the man involves an overlay of images that give a diorama effect suggesting reality and eternity.  Note the man’s hand that embraces her is real.  Though death is the subject, the photo is framed to suggest a continuity that someone grieving would like to believe.  Because the photograph is untitled it is important to place it in the context of the period and what we can know of the photographer.

 

Best known as a chronicler of the Harlem Renaissance, James van der Zee’s subjects ranged from celebrities to poor residents who wished to have family remembrances.  He starting taking photos as a boy of 14.  His hobby became a career choice in 1916 when opening his studio in Harlem.  For six decades he documented all aspects of African American life.  He used extensive props, wardrobes and costumes and experimented with photographic techniques to enhance his subjects.  He is quoted as saying "I wanted to make the camera take what I thought should be there."