R. Augustus Lawson and His Wife
SubjectPortrait of
Raymond Augustus Lawson
1875 - 1976
SubjectPortrait of
Ida Napier Lawson
1877 - 1965
PhotographerPhotographed by
Unknown
Date1932
MediumPhotography; gelatin silver print on paper on cardboard mount
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 7 5/8 x 9 1/2in. (19.4 x 24.1cm)
Sheet (height x width): 7 5/8 x 9 1/2in. (19.4 x 24.1cm)
Mount (height x width): 11 x 14in. (27.9 x 35.6cm)
Sheet (height x width): 7 5/8 x 9 1/2in. (19.4 x 24.1cm)
Mount (height x width): 11 x 14in. (27.9 x 35.6cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
DescriptionAn elderly African-American man is seated at a grand piano. He wears a striped suit, shirt, and necktie and has a ring on the ring finger of his left hand. The sheet music cover on the piano reads "PIANO PIECES / ADULT STUDENT". Books are piled on the piano. An elderly African-American woman stands beside the piano smiling at the man. She is wearing a dress with a pearl necklace and a brooch. A potted plant in a wicker basket is on a chest in the background. Framed pictures and patterned wallpaper are on the walls.
Object number2007.29.0
InscribedOn recto of cardboard mount, in green ink, "Love and best wishes for continued success / To Lena from her friend / R. Augustus Lawson"On verso of cardboard mount, in pencil, "My inspiring piano teacher / from Age 12 to 24 / Dr. R. Augustus Lawson / and wife Ida Naiper L. / When I gave my Debut Concert - Colonial Room of Bushnell Hall / May 8th 1933 [sic]"; lower right, in pencil, accession numberNotesSubject Note: R. Augustus Lawson was a pianist and the Dean of the Hartt School of Music in Hartford, Connecticut. (Hudson 7/6/2007)
Inscription Note: "Lena" is Lena Cravzow. Her participation in piano recitals is reported in the Hartford Courant in 1929, 1930, 1931, and 1932. According to the Hartford Courant, Lena Cravzow's debut performance in the Colonial Room at the Bushnell took place on May 9, 1932, not 1933 as recorded in the inscription.
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