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Bettis, Valerie; 1944, print 1960s; signed recto & verso; mounted to 10 x 15"

 Item — Box: 1, Folder: 1

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Barbara Morgan dance photographs comprise 36 photographs taken by Barbara Morgan (1900-1992), an American photographer best known for her depictions of modern dancers. The prints in the collection show well-known dancers and choreographers in various poses and performances, including Valerie Bettis, Si-Lan Chen, Merce Cunningham, Asadata Dafora, Martha Graham, Erick Hawkins, Doris Humphrey, José Limón, Pearl Primus, and others. Morgan originally took these photographs between 1935 and 1945. Some of the prints in the collection, identified as vintage, were printed near the original period that the picture was first taken. Others were printed later -- between the 1960s and 1980s. However, all of the photographs in the collection were printed during Barbara Morgan's lifetime. Most of the prints bear Morgan's original signature and some include Morgan's notes and/or stamp. Martha Graham is the most represented person in the images, with a selection of other early modern dance subjects, as well as a photomontage titled "Pure Energy and Neurotic Man" and an outdoor work titled "Children Dancing By the Lake."

Dates

  • Creation: 1935 - 1945
  • Creation: Printed late 1930s through 1980s

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection stored off-site. Advance notice required for access.

Extent

From the Collection: 3.67 Linear Feet (36 photographs in 2 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the USC Libraries Music Library Repository

Contact:
Doheny Memorial Library, G-24
3550 Trousdale Parkway
Los Angeles California 90089-1822 United States