Senator Robert Kennedy

Artist Charmian Sproule Reading (American, 1930 - 2014)

CultureAmerican

DateMay 11, 1966

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsOverall, Image: 13 11/16 × 10 9/16 in. (34.8 × 26.8 cm)
Oveall, Paper: 16 11/16 × 13 1/4 in. (42.4 × 33.7 cm)
Overall, Mat: 24 × 20 in. (61 × 50.8 cm)

Credit LineMuseum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank, and with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Chris A. Crumley

Object number97.31

Not on view

DescriptionTwo dark silhouette images on left and right sides and Senator Robert Kennedy is in the middle. The dark image on the right is wearing glasses and one can see the reflection of Senator Kennedy crisp and clear.

Label TextCharmian Sproule Reading American, 1930−2014 Senator Robert Kennedy, May 11, 1966 Gelatin silver print (photograph) As Attorney General and then U.S. Senator from New York, Robert F. Kennedy was a pivotal figure in 1960s politics. Though supportive of equal rights for African Americans, he frequently faced criticism for failing to act quickly and decisively to the demands of Civil Rights leaders. Framing Kennedy with black silhouettes, this image by freelance photographer Charmian Reading suggests the obstacles, confusions, and tensions plaguing negotiations between politicians and activists in this era. Museum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank, and with funds provided by Mr. and Mrs. Chris A. Crumley 97.31 Exhibition HistoryThe Chrysler Museum of Art, "Appeal of this Age: Photography of the Civil Rishts Movement" 12/21/96-3/2/97. "Photographs of the Civil Rights Movement, from the Museum Collection", THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART, NORFOLK, VA, February 6 - May 31, 1998. "History of Photography," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va, Fall, 2001. "The World of Photography," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photo Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, June 20, 2007 - May 25, 2008 "Women and the Civil Rights Movement," Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, June 14 - October 30, 2016.