Artist
Walter Rosenblum (American, 1919–2006)American, 1919–2006
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Boy on Roof
Date1950, printed later
PlaceNew York, New York, United States
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 10 1/2 × 13 1/2 in. (26.7 × 34.3 cm)
Sheet: 10 13/16 × 13 3/4 in. (27.5 × 34.9 cm)
Sheet: 10 13/16 × 13 3/4 in. (27.5 × 34.9 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by Photo Forum 1994
Object number94.739
Not on view
Explore Further
Department
PhotographyObject Type
The cornerstone of an image
filled with zigzagging lines, the boy at the center of Walter Rosenblum’s photograph
looks directly at the camera and grounds the image. Behind him run chaotic
rooftops, butting chimneys, and the hypnotic repeated lines of the Manhattan
Bridge. Rosenblum joined the Photo League in 1937 and throughout his career as
a photographer was praised for his ability to bring a unity of form, line, and
texture to his images while maintaining a distinct warmth for his subjects.
ProvenanceThe artist; purchased by MFAH, 1994.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed in ink, verso, center: “Boy on Roof” // Pitt St. N. Y. 1950 // Walter Rosenblum [signed]
Signed in ink, verso, center: Walter Rosenblum
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Walter Rosenblum
June 6, 1944
Gelatin silver prints
2007.1596.A,.B
Walter Rosenblum
June 6, 1944, printed later
Gelatin silver print with gold toning
2011.693
Walter Rosenblum
1946, printed later
Gelatin silver print with gold toning
2011.691
