Object Details
Photograph by
Arsene Studio, American
Subject of
Velma Middleton, American, 1917 - 1961
Louis Armstrong, American, 1901 - 1971
Strand Theatre, American, 1914 - 1987
Description
A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton standing on stage behind a microphone. They are standing side-by-side, looking towards the left side of the image, with their arms around each other’s backs. Armstrong hold his proper right arm up with his fingers curled and he holds his trumpet in his proper left hand behind Middleton’s back. Middleton holds her proper left hand up in a wave. Armstrong is depicted wearing a medium toned jacket and light pants. He has a comical expression on his face. Middleton is depicted wearing a long, belted dress with short sleeves and floral jewelry. An inscription in black ink in the lower right corner reads, [To Our Boy / With Love & / Kisses & Success / Always To / Willie / Sincerely / Velma & Pops]. On the back of the image is a stamp in black ink that reads, [PLEASE CREDIT ARSENE STUDIO / STRAND THEATRE BLDG., N. Y. C., N. Y.].
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Date
ca. 1946
Object number
2013.46.25.87
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
Type
gelatin silver prints
portraits
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 9/16 in. (24.1 × 19.2 cm)
H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.4 cm)
Place made
New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
See more items in
National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title
The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
Classification
Photographs and Still Images
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Topic
African American
Entertainers
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Jazz (Music)
Nightlife
Photography
Singers (Musicians)
Theatre
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmaahc_2013.46.25.87