Jitterbugs (II)

William H. Johnson, Jitterbugs (II), ca. 1941, oil on paperboard, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.611
Copied William H. Johnson, Jitterbugs (II), ca. 1941, oil on paperboard, 24 x 15 3⁄8 in. (61.0 x 39.1 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1967.59.611

Artwork Details

Title
Jitterbugs (II)
Artist
Date
ca. 1941
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
24 x 15 3⁄8 in. (61.0 x 39.1 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Harmon Foundation
Mediums
Mediums Description
oil on paperboard
Classifications
Subjects
  • Figure group
  • African American
  • Recreation — dancing
  • Object — musical instrument — trumpet
Object Number
1967.59.611
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1967.59.611

Artwork Description

William H. Johnson created four paintings of the jitterbug, a dance craze that came out of Harlem and made its way into America's "swing" culture just before the Second World War. Here, the woman dips dramatically into the arms of her partner so that the two figures become one shape of contrasting colors and patterns. Sharp angles and spiraling patterns on the floor and walls emphasize the fast, athletic pace of skilled dance partners.