Clarence DeShields
1931
Black-and-white lithograph
13 3/4” x 10” plate
Clarence DeShields recorded as being, a “grand type—with a streak of genius that never quite gets expressed.” He was considered a member of the artist’s extended family, and more photographs of him are included in the family albums than of any other member of staff. The artist responsible for this print credited him as the first person to teach her the words to and meaning behind African American folk songs and spirituals; and honored him in preparatory studies and written accounts:
Clarence was very tall, and walked as if he were tied together with string. He had a most engaging wide, slow smile that went with his unfailing sense of amusement about the world in general.