Zero Mostel

ExpandFavorite

Images(4)

Artist Robert Frank (American, born Switzerland, 1924–2019)American, born Switzerland, 1924–2019

CultureAmerican

Titles

Zero Mostel

Date1963

PlaceUnited States

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsImage: 9 1/4 × 13 1/2 in. (23.5 × 34.3 cm)
Sheet: 10 7/8 × 14 in. (27.6 × 35.5 cm)

Credit LineGift of P / K Associates

Object number84.1009

Current Location

The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building

Gallery 208

On view

Explore Further

Department

Photography

Object Type

PHOTOGRAPHS

DescriptionOne of the most influential photographers of the 20th century, Robert Frank reshaped the trajectory of art photography following the publication of his book "The Americans" in 1958. In 1963, Frank was commissioned by the "New York Times" to produce a promotional book featuring the actor Zero Mostel titled "Zero Mostel Reads a Book." The short publication depicted a sequence of photographs in which Mostel comically poses while ostensibly reading a book. Produced in the same comedic vein, this photograph depicts the actor peering through elongated eye holes cut into an open newspaper that otherwise obscures his face.
ProvenanceP/K Associates, New York; given to MFAH, 1984.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

Inscribed in ink, recto, bottom left below image: ZERO MOSTEL 1963?
Inscribed in pencil, verso, center: 6-65
Inscribed in ink, verso, bottom left: © Robert Frank

Signed in black ink, recto, bottom right below image: Robert Frank.

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.