Portrait of Ole Olsen

Portrait of Ole Olsen
Inventory
Collection Number: 
17605
Building: 
Current Location: 
Storage Room 303
Floor: 
Lower Level/Vault
Object Description
Artist: 
Artist Dates: 
1884-1982
Artist Nationality: 
American
Object Type: 
Details: 
This is a photograph of vaudeville comedian Ole Olsen.
Framed: 
Yes
 - Glass
Length: 
25 inches
Width: 
1 inch
Height: 
31 inches
Description: 

This is a portrait of Ole Olsen, one half of the vaudevillian comedy duo Olsen and Johnson. John Sigvand “Ole” Olsen and Harold Ogden “Chic” Johnson performed on radio, stage, in motion pictures, and on television. Olsen and Johnson partnered in 1914, perfecting their comedic style during the vaudeville era. Olsen and Johnson were also Broadway sensations, most noted for their comedy “Hellzapoppin”, that opened in 1938 and would later become a major motion picture. The duo had occasional television appearances later in their career. Here, Olsen wears a suit and ascot cap and turns to face the camera in a confident pose. He has a sober yet calm expression. The swatched background was likely done in large part by Hixon in the development process through chemical manipulations of the photographic material.

Reproduce the Work in Library publications/publicity, including film or videotape: 
Yes
Make slides or videotapes for educational use: 
Yes
Permit the general public to photograph the work : 
Yes