Object Details
Artist
Richard Avedon, 15 May 1923 - 1 Oct 2004
Sitter
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm, 30 Nov 1924 - 1 Jan 2005
Exhibition Label
Brooklyn, New York
Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1968. A former nursery school teacher in New York City, Chisholm had entered politics four years prior, serving in the state’s General Assembly.
Brought up by working-class immigrant parents from Barbados and Guyana who believed in education and social empowerment, Chisholm represented New York’s widely diverse Twelfth District in Brooklyn. She fearlessly championed mothers, children, and the working poor, and called for an end to the Vietnam War. In 1972, under the campaign slogan “unbought and unbossed,” she became the first Black woman to seek the Democratic Party nomination for the presidency. Although her bid was unsuccessful, her candidacy forged the way for other women and people of color in mainstream politics. She retired from Congress in 1982.
In this portrait by Richard Avedon, Chisholm's upright stance and direct gaze convey the clarity of her conviction.
Brooklyn, Nueva York
En 1968, Shirley Chisholm pasó a ser la primera mujer negra elegida para la Cámara de Representantes de EE.UU. La exmaestra preescolar había entrado a la política cuatro años antes, sirviendo en la Asamblea General del estado de Nueva York.
Chisholm tuvo padres de clase obrera, inmigrantes de Barbados y Guyana que valoraban la educación y el empoderamiento social. Representando al 12o distrito en Brooklyn, un área de gran diversidad, ella defendió con valentía a las madres, los niños y los trabajadores pobres, y abogó por el fin de la Guerra de Vietnam. En 1972, con el lema “sin precio y sin jefe”, fue la primera mujer negra que buscó la nominación a la presidencia por el Partido Demócrata. Aunque no triunfó, su candidatura abrió el camino a otras mujeres y personas de color en espacios centrales de la política. Se retiró del Congreso en 1982.
En este retrato de Richard Avedon, la postura erguida y la mirada directa de Chisholm comunican la claridad de sus convicciones.
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; this acquisition was made possible by generous contributions from Jeane W. Austin and the James Smithson Society
Date
July 12, 1976
Object number
NPG.89.83.17
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© The Richard Avedon Foundation
Type
Photograph
Medium
Gelatin silver print
Dimensions
Image: 25.4 x 20.1cm (10 x 7 15/16")
Sheet: 35.5 x 27.6cm (14 x 10 7/8")
Mat: 55.9 x 40.6cm (22 x 16")
Place
United States\New York\Kings\New York
See more items in
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Exhibition
20th Century Americans: 1960-2000
On View
NPG, South Gallery 342
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Topic
Costume\Jewelry\Brooch
Costume\Dress Accessory\Eyeglasses
Costume\Jewelry\Bracelet
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Female
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Politics and Government\Government official\State Legislator\New York
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Politics and Government\Presidential candidate
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Arts and Culture\Education and Scholarship\Educator
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Arts and Culture\Education and Scholarship\Educator\Lecturer
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Arts and Culture\Education and Scholarship\Educator\Professor\University
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Politics and Government\Government official\US Congressman\New York
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Arts and Culture\Education and Scholarship\Administrator\School administrator
Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm: Civilian awards\Presidential Medal of Freedom
Portrait
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npg_NPG.89.83.17