Object Details
Published by
Gershwin Publishing Corp.
Written by
George Gershwin, American, 1898 - 1937
Ira Gershwin, American, 1896 - 1983
DuBose Heyward, American, 1885 - 1940
Illustrated by
Ben Jorj Harris, 1904 - 1957
Subject of
Rouben Mamoulian, American, 1897 - 1987
Description
Sheet music for “Bess, You Is My Woman." The front cover is a black and white illustration with an off-white margin. Across the top margin is the title "BESS YOU IS MY WOMAN." The illustration, done in the style of woodcuts, depicts several vignettes. The foremost vignette is a profile of a man and woman, face to face. Beyond them is a palm tree, under which is the silhouette of a goat-drawn cart. In the cart is a reclining figure of a man with a crutch. Along the right hand side are two wooden cabins with a boat and ocean beyond them. In the top right corner is the outline of a city skyline. There is a large arm, stemming from the profile of the front man, with a large hand pointing toward the city skyline. In the top left quarter are the words "The Theatre Guild presents/ PORGY and BESS/ Music by GEORGE GERSHWIN/ Libretto by/ DUBOSE HEYWARD/ Lyrics by/ DUBOSE HEYWARD and IRA GERSHWIN/ Production direction by/ ROUBEN MAMOULIAN." At the bottom right corner are the words "Gershwin Publishing Corp. / RKO Bldg. New York, N.Y. / Chappell & Co. Inc. / Sole Selling Agent/ Made in U.S.A."
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Vicki Gold Levi
Date
1935
Object number
2013.223.34
Restrictions & Rights
© 1935 by George Gershwin
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
sheet music
Medium
ink on paper
Dimensions
H x W: 12 × 9 in. (30.5 × 22.9 cm)
Place printed
New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification
Written Music
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Musical Theatre
Opera (Music)
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2013.223.34