The Oracle

1949, printed 1982

John Gutmann

Associated Names
John Gutmann

Artist, American, born Poland, 1905 - 1998

The image shows a close-up of two people. The person in the background is in a side profile position with their head turned slightly forward, seemingly resting on the other person's arms. Their facial features include a prominent nose and closed eyelids, with a veil covering their face, obscuring some details. The hair appears dark and is pulled back neatly. This person is wearing a dark garment, with a lace-like texture visible on the collar. The second person is positioned with their head resting against the shoulder or arm of the person in front. This individual's face is in partial view, showing one eye and eyebrows, and they have light, curly hair. The background consists of an indistinct surface that resembles a wooden panel.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    gelatin silver print

  • Credit Line

    Patrons' Permanent Fund

  • Dimensions

    image: 36.3 x 28.7 cm (14 5/16 x 11 5/16 in.)
    sheet: 43 x 35.6 cm (16 15/16 x 14 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2001.67.100

Associated Artworks

See all 7 artworks
This is a photograph of a street scene with a crowd gathering around. The photograph captures an urban alleyway lined with brick and stone buildings. On the left side is a vintage automobile parked near the curve of the street, and on the right side, a large group is gathered, observing an event or spectacle happening nearby. The group is dressed in an early-to-mid 20th-century style, with many hats visible. The scene conveys a sense of activity and engagement as people are arranged in clusters, some appearing to be having conversations while others focus on watching something in the middle of the alley. The lighting creates strong contrasts, and the photograph reflects an era of city life that is both vibrant and historical.

Lunch Hour, San Francisco

John Gutmann

1934

This is a photograph of a blue book cover. The cover is simple and consists of a solid dark blue background with the text "JOHN GUTMANN TEN PHOTOGRAPHS" printed in black letters. The design is minimalistic, with an emphasis on typographic style. There are no additional decorative elements or imagery on the cover other than the text. The blue background contrasts with the black text, making the title stand out.

Ten Photographs

John Gutmann

1982

This is a black-and-white photograph of a vertical parking structure with multiple levels of vintage cars. The composition features parked cars arranged vertically like a mechanical parking garage. The mid-20th-century automotive design of the cars is visible, creating defined lines and shapes. The image is taken from a low angle, showing the height of the structure and a building with a grid of windows on the right. The atmosphere is industrial and historic.

Elevator Garage, Chicago

John Gutmann

1936

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Joshua P. Smith, Washington, DC; NGA purchase, 2001.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on verso, signed by artist, lower right in graphite: John Gutmann; upper left: THE ORACLE 1949; lower left: 4/50

Wikidata ID

Q64156048

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