Artist
Robert Frank (American, born Switzerland, 1924–2019)American, born Switzerland, 1924–2019
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Cape Cod
Date1962
PlaceCape Cod, Massachusetts, United States
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 8 15/16 × 13 15/16 in. (22.7 × 35.4 cm)
Sheet: 10 7/8 × 14 in. (27.6 × 35.6 cm)
Sheet: 10 7/8 × 14 in. (27.6 × 35.6 cm)
Credit LineGift of P/K Associates
Object number84.1002
Not on view
Explore Further
Department
PhotographyObject Type
the emotive power of black-and-white photography, Robert Frank explored the
disparities between public and private, and dream and disillusionment. In Cape
Cod, the top register captures the joy and naiveté of a young girl running
naked along the open beach. Below her is an older boy, silently engrossed in a
newspaper, the headline of which boldly announces the death of Marilyn Monroe.
Each armed with potent American symbols—the flag and a Hollywood tabloid—the
two figures present a bold contrast of the youthful optimism of the American
dream against the often grave realities of a dream’s fulfillment.
ProvenanceP/K Associates, New York; given to MFAH, 1984.
Exhibition History“A History of Photography XI,” The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, September 18–February 24, 2019.
"Robert Frank: A Retrospective from the Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, July 14–October 14, 2001.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed in black ink, recto, bottom left below image: Cape Cod 1962
Signed in black ink, recto, bottom right below image: R. Frank.
Inscribed in pencil, verso, center: 6-123
Signed in black ink, recto, bottom right below image: R. Frank.
Inscribed in pencil, verso, center: 6-123
Signed in black ink, recto, bottom right below image: R. Frank.
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
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