The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of December 17, 2025

Portrait of Dick Gregory, December 1974

1974

Ira Rosenberg

(American, 1916–2016)
America
Gelatin silver print, ferrotyped
Image: 23.8 x 19.4 cm (9 3/8 x 7 5/8 in.)
James Parmelee Fund 2021.175
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Comedian Dick Gregory championed civil rights, women’s rights, and animal rights, and protested against the Vietnam War.

Description

Ira Rosenberg’s portrait of Dick Gregory (1932–2017) emphasizes the thoughtful, concerned side of this activist. The hardships he endured, including dangerous hunger strikes, in protesting for various causes can be read in his face thanks to Rosenberg’s skillful lighting. At the same time, Rosenberg contrasts the plasticity of the head with the flat outline of Gregory’s profile.
  • ?-2021
    Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg, Scarsdale, NY, sold to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    December 6, 2021-
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Portrait of Dick Gregory, December 1974|url=false|author=Ira Rosenberg|year=1974|access-date=17 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2021.175