Foxtrot
Between 1926 and 1932, in addition to his activities as a photographer, poster artist, and teacher, Rodchenko designed costumes and sets for both the theater and the cinema. This photograph is one of three prints that relate to his design commission for Leonid Obolenskii's film "Albidum" (1928). It was probably printed from a projection copy, or film positive, rather than from the original film negative, and its values are reversed, producing a negative print. The graphic impact of the reversal charges the dancers with a pulsing energy and allowed Rodchenko to apply color to the costumes which he had designed. The iridescent aura, in effect, returns the dynamic dance to "living color."
"Foxtrot" was most likely printed in 1935 for the exhibition "Masters of Soviet Photography," which included Rumba, another negative print of dancers from "Albidum."
[JLR; Waking Dream, pp. 356-357]
"Foxtrot" was most likely printed in 1935 for the exhibition "Masters of Soviet Photography," which included Rumba, another negative print of dancers from "Albidum."
[JLR; Waking Dream, pp. 356-357]
Artwork Details
- Title: Foxtrot
- Artist: Alexander Rodchenko (Russian, St. Petersburg 1891–1956 Moscow)
- Date: 1935
- Medium: Gelatin silver print with applied color
- Dimensions: Image: 20.6 x 14.3 cm (8 1/8 x 5 5/8 in.)
- Classification: Photographs
- Credit Line: Gilman Collection, Purchase, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee Gift, 2005
- Object Number: 2005.100.150
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
More Artwork
A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.
Alexander Rodchenko
1924
Alexander Rodchenko
1924
Alexander Rodchenko
1932
Alexander Rodchenko
1923
Alexander Rodchenko
1927
Related Content
Publications
Books, guides, and catalogues published by The Met.
Research Resources
The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.
Feedback
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.