The Harlem Renaissance was a creative out burst of activity among African American from 1920 -- 1930. It was a literary artistic movement and social revolt. This was partly the result of the African American great migration north and their need to celebrate their heritage. A reflection of the mood of the Harlem Renaissance can be seen in these photographs.
Photograph #10
Caption :
"Couple in Raccoon Coats" by James Van der Zee 1932
http:www.eng.fju.edu.tw/ron/American_lit2/Images/harlem.htm
Description:
The focus of this photograph is a couple dressed in full length raccoon coats. The man is seated in what appears to be a brand new convertible automobile, with the door open and hands folded in lap. The woman is standing outside the car with hands in pocket. The car is parked outside of brownstone homes in Harlem, New York.
Interpretation
The picture was taken straight forward at eye level. The picture portrays African Americans' movement up in social class. The coats say that we have arrived. The many stairs, the only viable entry way (doors) into the building that has to be climbed also represents upward mobility. The car represents mobility and suggests that although they have arrived, they are not content and plan to keep moving forward.
The scale of the in focused car appears huge in comparison to the brownstone which is somewhat out of focus. This emphasizes the higher status of the car. While the house is prominent but permanent fixture it represents where they have come from. The car appears larger therefore more important represents where they are going.
Sharp define lines throughout the photograph represent motion. Vertical lines are repeated in the windows and doors side frames of the house and cars, the banisters, lines in the coats and spokes on the wheels all represents upward motion. Horizontal lines are repeated in the top and bottom frames of the windows and doors in the house and car, the shades, the steps, the running and boards. They represent forward motion.
(Complete Lesson I {guided} & Lesson III {independently})