Untitled [Earl], Heber Springs, Arkansas
Artist
Mike Disfarmer
(American, 1884 - 1959)
CultureAmerican
Dateca. 1940-45
MediumGelatin silver contact print
DimensionsOverall, Image: 4 1/2 × 2 7/8 in. (11.4 × 7.3 cm)
Overall: 5 × 3 1/2 in. (12.7 × 8.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)
Overall: 5 × 3 1/2 in. (12.7 × 8.9 cm)
Overall, Mat: 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)
InscribedHinged to an archival mount and stamped "Original Disfarmer Photograph" on the reverse of mount. [DF1627BP]
Credit LineMuseum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank, and gift of Drs. Lea and Nancy Wilds
Object number2006.2
Not on view
DescriptionThis is a vintage gelatin silver contact print of a man whose name is Earl, wearing overalls. It was printed by the photographer, ca. 1940-45. Hinged to an archival mount and stamped "Original Disfarmer Photograph" on the reverse of mount. [DF1627BP]Label TextMike Disfarmer American, 1884–1959 Untitled [Earl], Heber Springs, Arkansas, ca. 1940–45 Gelatin silver contact print Museum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank, and gift of Drs. Lea and Nancy Wilds 2006.2 Mike Disfarmer was born Mike Meyer. Believing incorrectly that “Meyer” meant “farmer” in German, he changed his last name upon taking up photography as his career to disassociate himself from the family’s farming business. His unconventional attitude alienated him from the inhabitants of his rural town, though he was still engaged for portraits from tradespeople, servicemen, families, and young lovers. It is ironic that Disfarmer, who made such an effort to distinguish himself from agricultural trade, captured so many farmers, such as the two men in these photographs. ProvenanceEdwynn Houk Gallery, Upper East Side of Manhattan, NY, 2005 and Steven Kasher Gallery, Chelsea, NY, 2005; Chrysler Museum of Art, Gift of Drs. Lea and Nancy Wilds and Museum Purchase in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank, 2006 Exhibition History"Mike Disfarmer: The Vintage Prints," Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York, NY, September 8 - October 15, 2005, cat. no. 54.; "The World of Photography," Alice R. and Frank B. Sol Photography Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, June 20, 2007 - May 25, 2008 "Portraying a Nation: American Portrait Photography, 1850-2010," Alice R. and Sol B. Frank Photo Galleries, Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, August 25, 2010 - September 11, 2011. "Facing Ourselves: Mike Disfarmer and the American Portrait," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, December 16, 2022 - May 14, 2023.Published ReferencesEdwynn Houk, Gerd Sander, Richard B. Woodward, and Michael P. Mattis, _Disfarmer: The Vintage Prints_ (New York: Powerhouse Books, 2005) 15. ISBN: 978-1576873045
