Portrait of Dick Gregory, December 1974

1974

Portrait of Dick Gregory, December 1974, 1974. Ira Rosenberg (American, 1916–2016). Gelatin silver print, ferrotyped; image: 23.8 x 19.4 cm (9 3/8 x 7 5/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, James Parmelee Fund 2021.175 Ira Rosenberg’s portrait of Dick Gregory (1932–2017) emphasizes the thoughtful, concerned side of this activist. The hardships he endured, including dangerous hunger strikes, in protesting for various causes can be read in his face thanks to Rosenberg’s skillful lighting. At the same time, Rosenberg contrasts the plasticity of the head with the flat outline of Gregory’s profile. Comedian Dick Gregory championed civil rights, women’s rights, and animal rights, and protested against the Vietnam War.