For those aspiring to become celebrities, it is important to stay focused in life like James Van Der Zee. Despite facing challenges, Van Der Zee became famous for his exceptional photography, specifically showcasing the African American culture and the lives of middle class blacks during the Harlem Renaissance.
Van Der Zee’s “couple with Cadillac” photograph, taken in 1932 on the streets of Harlem, showcases a proud black couple adorned in raccoon coats[1]. Despite using black and white colors, Van Der Zee’s portraits maintain their originality and authenticity, allowing viewers to appreciate his unique photographic style. Through his images, we gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the love, culture, and beauty of the Harlem black community.
The objective of this paper is to analyze the history and significance of James Van Der Zee’s photography. In contrast to his contemporaries, James initially followed a different profession before developing an interest in photography at a later stage. He was born on June 29, 1886, in Lenox, Massachusetts, to John and Elizabeth Van Der Zee. Hailing from a humble background, his parents served as a butler and maid for former President Ulysses S. Grant in New York City.
When the parents arrived in Lennox, they began baking to support themselves [2]. At the same time, James and his brothers went to school in Lenox until the family decided to move to Harlem in 1906. While attending school, James honed his talents in music and art, specifically excelling at playing the piano and violin. As a result, he became a musician by joining Fletcher Henderson’s band and the John Wanamaker Orchestra as a way of sustaining himself [3]. However, his passion for photography grew when he received his first camera through a magazine promotion.
He was passionate about photography, which led him to abandon music. Luckily, he achieved his dream career when he started working as a darkroom assistant in Newark in 1915. The following year, he established his own studio where he captured numerous indoor portraits of African Americans in Harlem. For many years, he was acclaimed as the first renowned photographer in Harlem. However, he experienced a period of obscurity and his photographic art waned. In 1969, Van Der Zee made a comeback when the Metropolitan Museum of Art stumbled upon some of his photographs during the exhibition titled Harlem on My Mind.
His photographic work was restored as a result, and Van Der Zee focused on photography once again until his death in 1983[4]. By establishing a studio in Harlem, Van Der Zee was able to capture African Americans from all walks of life. He primarily photographed celebrities who frequented Harlem, such as Jack Johnson and Bill Robinson, indicating that his photography had a commercial motive. Additionally, he documented weddings, funerals, lodges, and clubs, providing individuals with a way to preserve memories of their stylish attire.
Van Der Zee incorporated props and artistic elements to create polished portraits. This helped him make a living and open his own studio. With his wife as his assistant, Van Der Zee employed various techniques in photography. His skillful use of technical skills enhanced the visual appeal of his images. Notably, he expertly retouched both the negatives and prints, resulting in a glamorous representation of perfection in his artwork.
Using traditional techniques, the artist was able to create authentic portraits of individuals, giving them a unique appearance. The artist took great care and time in capturing people through his camera, aiming to convey a specific theme to viewers of his portraits. His intention was to represent middle-class Black Americans, and to enhance his artwork, he incorporated symbolic props and costumes. By developing the pictures in black and white, he followed a traditional approach that symbolized the color of the Black community.
Furthermore, the costumes and props provided varied based on the occasion and the individual’s class [6]. The image “Couple with Cadillac” by Van Der Zee is realistic as a result of the double exposure technique used. The photograph captures a large view of the couple on Harlem Street, allowing anyone to easily comprehend the message conveyed by the artist. The images are of medium size and do not have any overlapping in the portrait, enabling viewers to clearly perceive the social status of this African American couple.
This photograph was taken and developed after the conclusion of World War II, a period when African Americans in the United States started to feel a newfound sense of freedom. Numerous individuals were able to secure well-paying jobs in different industries, significantly enhancing their quality of life. Some even enjoyed a lifestyle similar to that of white Americans, owning luxurious items like cars. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that not all African Americans had access to good education or employment opportunities. The majority remained trapped in extreme poverty.
Therefore, the middle class African Americans had ample reasons to feel proud of their wealth compared to others. [7] In Van Der Zee’s photographic work “Couple with a Cadillac,” he accurately portrays the couple’s status by carefully selecting their attire and featuring a classic vehicle. Through the clothes and positioning of the couple, it is evident that they are affluent. Despite the black and white color scheme, every detail in the background is visible.
For the conclusion, becoming successful requires determination and endurance despite challenges. Van Der Zee’s passion for photography drove him to never give up. When he obtained a camera, he entered the photographic industry and gave it his all. His goal was not only to make a profit, but also to showcase his skill and love for this art. Consequently, he is now remembered for using traditional techniques to develop portraits of the Black community that thrived in Harlem during earlier times.
