The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of July 8, 2026

A horizontally oriented gelatin silver print depicts seven women and one man with dark skin tones gathered behind a white counter. Dressed in formal hats, gloves, and suits, the figures face us with wide smiles, holding small white cups. On our left, a dispenser is marked "DRINK Coca-Cola." A large logo in dark script spans the counter's front. The group stands before a plain wall, their shadows visible on the floor.

Untitled (Women with Coca-Cola)

1960s

Jimmy Baynes

(American, 1922–2010)
America
gelatin silver print
Paper: 20.3 x 25.4 cm (8 x 10 in.)
Jo Hershey Selden Fund 2023.184
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

In the 1950s, advertising agencies began to recognize the Black population as a potential market with individual tastes and desires.

Description

Jimmy Baynes, who chronicled Black life, music, and culture in his hometown of Cleveland, was often hired to photograph at marketing events aimed at Black audiences. In the event pictured here, Coca-Cola is promoting its product, possibly as an event in itself or by offering free drinks at a gathering. The women have dressed up for this occasion: hats and gloves were required for dressy occasions in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
  • ?–2023
    (The Keith de Lellis Gallery, New York, NY), sold to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
    December 4, 2023–
    The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • {{cite web|title=Untitled (Women with Coca-Cola)|url=false|author=Jimmy Baynes|year=1960s|access-date=08 July 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2023.184