Ada "Bricktop" Smith DuConge, Paris
Carl Van Vechten, American, 1880 - 1964
Geography:
Photograph taken in Paris, France, Europe
Date:
June 22, 1934Medium:
Gelatin silver printDimensions:
Image and sheet: 7 13/16 × 9 13/16 inches (19.9 × 25 cm) Mount: 19 1/4 × 14 3/16 inches (48.9 × 36 cm)Copyright:
Research inconclusive. Copyright may apply.Curatorial Department:
Prints, Drawings, and PhotographsObject Location:
1949-20-55Credit Line:
Gift of the artist, 1949
Photograph taken in Paris, France, Europe
Date:
June 22, 1934Medium:
Gelatin silver printDimensions:
Image and sheet: 7 13/16 × 9 13/16 inches (19.9 × 25 cm) Mount: 19 1/4 × 14 3/16 inches (48.9 × 36 cm)Copyright:
Research inconclusive. Copyright may apply.Curatorial Department:
Prints, Drawings, and PhotographsObject Location:
Currently not on view
Accession Number:1949-20-55Credit Line:
Gift of the artist, 1949
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african american [x] jazz [x] musician [x] nhd 1929 to 1945 photo portrait [x] pablo picasso [x] photograph [x] portrait [x]During the 1930s, Pablo Picasso developed a strong interest in American jazz music and became a great admirer of Ada Smith (1894-1984), the charismatic African American singer and dancer who performed under the stage name of Bricktop. Smith moved to Paris in 1924 and, encouraged by Josephine Baker's spectacular success in La Revue Nègre, opened her own nightclub, Chez Bricktop, in 1929. Famous for her gravelly voice, outrageous personality, and penchant for brandy and cigars, Bricktop quickly earned a cult following in Paris. Picasso, who regularly saw her perform at her nightclub on the rue Pigalle, was among her legion of admirers.
