Welsh Miners

1953

Robert Frank

Associated Names
Robert Frank

Artist, American, born Switzerland, 1924 - 2019

The image shows a group of approximately six men in a line, with five of them clearly visible from head to toe. They stand in a loosely-formed line, some facing forward and others slightly turned to the side, suggesting they are waiting for something. The men have grime-covered faces and are dressed in heavy, worn coats and pants typical of work attire. Their footwear varies from heavy boots to shoes showing signs of wear. Most of the men wear caps, and their hair is mostly short and tucked under the caps. One man has a scarf wrapped around his neck, and another is holding what appears to be a piece of paper or a ticket. One individual carries a bag across his shoulder and cradles a parcel wrapped in paper. The background is a plain, textured wall with a window frame visible to the left, through which faint silhouettes can be seen. The ground is rough and textured, suggesting an outdoor or industrial location.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Robert Frank, New York; (Pace/MacGill Gallery, New York); Betsy Karel, Washington, DC, 2003; gift to NGA, 2014.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2003

  • Robert Frank: London/Wales, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, May 10-July 14, 2003

2015

  • Celebrating Photography at the National Gallery of Art: Recent Gifts, Washington, DC, November 1, 2015–February 28, 2016

Bibliography

2003

  • Robert Frank: London/Wales. Exh. cat. Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 2003: 99.

Inscriptions

on verso, signed by artist, lower right in black ink: 1951 R.Frank; lower center: Pay Day at Coal Mine - Wales; by unknown hand, upper left in graphite: 3039-III; upper right: RF.667; top right corner: 3039 III; upper right corner to lower left corner, diagonal line drawn in graphite; center: 42 1/2 cms. wide / CCYB; lower left: 2 46 x; bottom center: RF.667

Wikidata ID

Q64163070

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