[Leon Barte]

Artist Nickolas Muray (American, born Hungary, 1892–1965)American, born Hungary, 1892–1965

CultureAmerican

Titles

[Leon Barte]

Date1921

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsImage: 9 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (24.1 × 19.1 cm)
Sheet: 9 1/2 × 7 1/2 in. (24.1 × 19.1 cm)
Mount: 15 11/16 × 11 5/8 in. (39.8 × 29.5 cm)

Credit LineThe Sonia and Kaye Marvins Portrait Collection, gift of Mike Marvins

Object number94.626

Non exposé

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Department

Photography

Special Collections

Marvins Family Collections

Object Type

PHOTOGRAPHS

Description

Leon Barte was a ballet dancer and choreographer who held leading roles on Broadway and in 1920s Hollywood films. With an agile form and an ability to strike and hold poses, Barte was also a popular model for many artists. In 1921, attired as “Shaytan.” an Arabian Nights-type character, he posed for the celebrated photographer Nickolas Muray. Muray captured Barte in the center of a dramatic spotlight. Posed mid-action, with a look of surprise, Muray’s photograph depicts the dynamic energy and adaptability of the performer.

ProvenanceMichael H. Marvins, Houston; given to MFAH, 1994.
Published References Tucker, Anne W., Maggie Olvey, R. Eric Davis, Harlow Tighe, and William R. Thompson. The Sonia and Kaye Marvins Portrait Collection. Houston: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1995, 37. Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Inscribed in pencil, mount recto, bottom left below image: 1921
Inscribed in pencil, mount verso, top center: 91-121
Stamped, mount verso, top center: PHOTOGRAPHED BY NICKOLAS MURAY // 129 MACDOUGAL ST., N.Y.C.

Signed in pencil, mount recto, lower right below image: Muray // N.Y.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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