Lot 467
Paul Robeson: Rare Inscribed and Signed Photo as Othello, Theater Guild Production Shubert Theater, Dated 1944 + Clarence Muse Signed Photo (1898-1976) Paul Robeson proved a significant figure of the 20th Century not only for being a professional football player, a concert bass-baritone, stage and screen actor of formidable power, but also a lifelong activist. Robeson's global acclaim came from his performance of Joe in SHOWBOAT in London with numerous film and stage offers following. In 1943, Robeson was the first actor of color to lead an all white supporting cast in his landmark production at the Shubert Theater in NYC. As of 2011, the run of Othello starring Robeson was the longest-running production of a Shakespeare play ever staged on Broadway.
Offered is a magnificent, double weight full portrait of Robeson in the Theater Guild Production at the Shubert Theatre. Stamped on verso with the theatre and production information, it also has the photographer's stamp "Photograph by Vandamm Studio". Robeson has inscribed to Pat O'Connor and how nice it has been having him in the cast, signed Paul Robeson, 1944. While inscription and signature is executed in black fountain pen ink at hem of the long coat, it is legible and extremely clean.
Second photo included from the production with Uta Hagen as Desdemona and Margaret Wester as Emilia with the same credit stamps on verso as Robeson's. Again in excellent condition.
Clarence Muse (1889-1979) Another trailblazer for black representation as an actor, screenwriter, director, singer, and composer. He appeared in 150 films and is the first black actor to have star billing in HEARTS OF DIXIE in 1929. Double weight inscribed and signed photo. Email for photo. Estimated Value $700 - 1,200
From the Collection of Mark Rofeh.
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| Realized $425 |
