Josephine Baker

by Murray Korman
toned vintage bromide print, 1936
9 3/8 in. x 7 3/8 in. (238 mm x 188 mm) image size
Given by Edward Crangle
Photographs Collection
NPG x138145

Sitterback to top

Josephine Baker (1906-1975), Dancer, singer and actress. Sitter in 2 portraits.

Artistback to top

Murray Korman (1901-1961), Photographer. Artist of 3 portraits.

Subject/Themeback to top

Diversity

Events of 1936back to top

Current affairs

Following the death of his father George V, Edward succeeds to the throne as King Edward VIII, but chooses to abdicate in order to marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson. Edward was the only monarch every to voluntarily relinquish the throne.

Art and science

The Spitfire, designed by Reginald Mitchell, has its maiden flight. The RAF and other allied forces used the plane extensively and to great effect during the Second World War.
Television broadcasting begins. Although the BBC had been transmitting television since 1930, regular service did not begin until 1936, when the 'BBC Television Service' (now BBC One) was broadcast from Alexandra Palace.

International

The Spanish Civil War begins. Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco, and supported by Italian and German fascist governments, rebelled against the Second Spanish Republic. The conflict lasted until 1939, and anticipated many of the features of the Second World War: fighting between Communists and Fascists, the rise of nationalism and the use of terror tactics against civilians.

Tell us more back to top

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Andrew Batt

02 January 2017, 12:44

This portrait of Josephine Baker, dates from 1936 and was taken in New York to promote Bakers appearance in the Ziegfeld Follies. (see my comment on your other portrait of Baker). In 1930 Baker was still sporting her then trademark slicked down boyish crop with curls on her forehead and cheeks- also Murray Korman’s studio was in New York, and Baker did not return to the U.S until her performance in the Ziegfeld Follies in 1936

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