05

The contrasting themes and traditions in Classical and Baroque Sculpture

James Van Der Zee

Photographing the Harlem Renaissance

During the 1920’s and 1930’s, the Harlem Renaissance was going on. At this time, Van Der Zee was known to photograph all backgrounds and occupations, however he was very well known for his work on middle-class african americans.

Van Der Zee photographed a variety of people including celebrities; Florence Mills, Hazel Scott and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Most of his work, however, were of weddings, funerals, and commercial studio work.