This gallery represents a visual aspect of music from the Harlem Renaissance era.
Street Musicians, William Henry Johnson, 1942/1943, From the collection of: Amon Carter Museum of American Art
This piece is one of many by the artist William Henry Johnson. The use of bright color suggests the two are upbeat in their personalities and music.
Study for Aspects of Negro Life: An Idyll of the Deep South, Aaron Douglas, 1934, From the collection of: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
This piece by Aaron Douglas, shows a group of people in south unwinding and in good spirits with the help of music. The lighter shades of the darker colors create a contrast appealing to the eye.
Harlem, Hansel Mieth, 1938, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
This is the first photograph in the gallery that is showing a jazz band playing at a club in Harlem in 1938
The Band, Edward Burra, 1934, From the collection of: British Council
In this piece called "The Band" shows an orchestra and with featured singers. At the time, the lead singers were featured and not the focal point of the performance.
Where'd You Git Them Hightop Shoes, Palmer C. Hayden, 1944/1947, From the collection of: The Museum of African American Art
Painter Palmer Hayden, painted this representing people in the south enjoying themselves with music. Many of the works from this period reflect of the struggles that were faced in the south.
Ella Fitzgerald, Yale Joel, 1958, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
This is a portrait of famed jazz vocalist, Ella Fitzgerald at the height of her career. At first glance, it looks like a photograph but it uses shading and color to create a 3D feel on paper.
African Dancers, Palmer C. Hayden, 1932, From the collection of: The Museum of African American Art
In this piece Hayden chose African dancers performing as an inspiration. The light colors suggests a contrast many of the others pieces, as possibly show no hidden darkness. It just features the joy of music and dance.
Nightlife, Archibald John Motley, Jr. (American, 1891-1981), 1943, From the collection of: The Art Institute of Chicago
This piece depicts a moment from a club as people are enjoy themselves with music, spirits and each other. The vibrant colors evoke the upbeat energy of nightlife.
"Drum Is A Woman" Duke Ellington, Thomas Mcavoy, 1957, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
This is a photograph of one of the greatest composers and bandleaders of the time, Duke Ellington. This one photo in a series called "Drum Is A Woman". These candid pictures give a background story behind the music.
Jam Session, Gjon Mili, 1943, From the collection of: LIFE Photo Collection
This photograph is of Billie Holiday. She is considered by many one of the greatest vocalist of her time and beyond. This photo is a candid picture of her with a band as they are "jamming" or rehearsing.
Credits: All media
This user gallery has been created by an independent third party and may not represent the views of the institutions whose collections include the featured works or of Google Arts & Culture.
