The Cleveland Museum of Art
Collection Online as of December 17, 2025
New York Press Photographers and Paul Robeson Campaigning for Henry Wallace at Madison Square Garden
1948
(American, 1921–1985)
Image: 15.2 x 24.1 cm (6 x 9 1/2 in.)
Location: Not on view
Did You Know?
In 1943, Time magazine declared Paul Robeson “probably the most famous living Negro” but his political activism led to him being blacklisted by 1950.Description
The actor, singer, and activist is seen here campaigning for Henry Wallace, presidential candidate for the Progressive Party, whose liberal views caused it to be associated with communism. Orkin was one of many photojournalists shooting up at the speaker. Instead of focusing just on Robeson, however, she widens the shot to include the curious sight of an array of photographers waiting to shoot the audience as they when they respond to Robeson’s powerful oratory.- ?-2022Orkin/Engle Film & Photo Archive, given to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OHDecember 5, 2022-The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
- {{cite web|title=New York Press Photographers and Paul Robeson Campaigning for Henry Wallace at Madison Square Garden|url=false|author=Ruth Orkin|year=1948|access-date=17 December 2025|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}
Source URL:
https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2023.68