Barbara Morgan

Barbara Johnson

American, 1900 - 1992

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This image features abstract shapes and lines with a large, silhouetted figure in the center. The figure appears to be leaping or dancing and is surrounded by curving lines. Below the figure is a wintry landscape with people walking on snowy paths next to bare trees. The scene may evoke an urban park during winter.
Barbara Morgan, Spring on Madison Square, 1938, printed 1980, gelatin silver print, Corcoran Collection (Anonymous gift), 2015.19.4689

Spring on Madison Square

Barbara Morgan · 1938, printed 1980 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2015.19.4689

The image shows two people engaged in a dance pose. The woman is kneeling, with her arm raised above her head and her body curving gracefully. Her face shows closed eyes and a defined jawline, with long hair slicked back. She wears a flowing light-colored dress with long sleeves. The man, mostly visible from the back and side, wears a dark outfit. He is positioned close to the woman, with one arm flexed. The background is dark, emphasizing the dramatic lighting on the dancers.
Barbara Morgan, Martha Graham, American Document ("Puritan Love Duet" with Erick Hawkins), 1938, gelatin silver print, R. K. Mellon Family Foundation, 2020.4.1

Martha Graham, American Document ("Puritan Love Duet" with Erick Hawkins)

Barbara Morgan · 1938 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2020.4.1

The image shows a person in a dance pose. They are leaning backward, arching their back with arms extended outward. Their head is thrown back and their long hair is flowing towards the floor. The person is wearing a dark, flowing dress with structured shoulders. The background is a light-colored wall and a section of wooden floor is visible. No additional objects are present in the image.
Barbara Morgan, War Theme, c. 1940, gelatin silver print, Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 2022.177.3

War Theme

Barbara Morgan · c. 1940 · gelatin silver print ·  Accession ID  2022.177.3

The image shows an elevated perspective overlooking a harbor scene. The scene includes rooftops, a water tower, a tall white structure, piers extending into the water, a large ship moving away, smaller boats, and distant silhouettes on the horizon. The style uses precise brushstrokes, likely a lithograph technique, creating a textured effect. The color palette is monochromatic, focusing on shades of gray to emphasize contrast and depth. The presentation highlights structure, geometry, and an industrial atmosphere.
Barbara Morgan, Hudson River at 34th Street, 1934, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3598

Hudson River at 34th Street

Barbara Morgan · 1934 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3598

The image shows three men standing closely together on a diving board, facing to the right. Two men are holding onto the side railings. Their torsos and limbs are visible, looking muscular with short, curly hair and wearing swim trunks. Two men have their heads turned slightly towards the center man. Below them, two other figures and one person in the water can be seen. The background includes a softly rendered wall and a section of the pool's surface with rippling water. The scene is depicted in black and white, resembling a charcoal or pencil drawing.
Barbara Morgan, Harlem Pool, 1934, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.3597

Harlem Pool

Barbara Morgan · 1934 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.3597