Rotan, Thurman. New York Montage, 1928. gelatin silver print, montage, Image: 11.5 x 8.2 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.). John L. Severance Fund, 2007.117. Copyrighted.

New York Montage

1928

Thurman Rotan

Thurman Rotan (American, 1903–1991)

Photography

New York Montage, 1928. Thurman Rotan (American, 1903–1991). Gelatin silver print, montage; image: 11.5 x 8.2 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund 2007.117 Born and raised in Texas, Rotan got a job working for a New York museum photographing artworks. His personal work emphasized the geometry, radical perspectives, and dramatic energy of the new New York. A 1932 essay on his work demonstrated American jingoism by praising Rotan’s photographs as "not the disordered jargon of photo-montage imported from decadent capitals abroad, but keen and sane assemblages singing a fresher song."

Original Source

Maker/Artist: Rotan, Thurman
Classification: Photograph
Formatted Medium: gelatin silver print, montage
Medium: gelatin, silver, print, montage
Dimensions: Image: 11.5 x 8.2 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/4 in.)
Inscribed: Inscription: Written in pencil on verso: "New York Montage/Thurman Rotan 1928" Written in black ink on verso: "Rotan (signed) Inscription: Stamped twice on verso of print: "PHOTOGRAPH BY Rotan"
Departments: Photography
Accession Number: 2007.117
Credit Line: John L. Severance Fund
Exhibitions: Forbidden Games: Surrealist and Modernist Photography, A New York Minute: Street Photography, 1920-1950
Rights Statement: Copyrighted