The Guardian

Earlie Hudnall, Jr., The Guardian, 1990, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1994.23.4, © 1990, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
Earlie Hudnall, Jr., The Guardian, 1990, gelatin silver print, sheet: 19 7⁄8 x 16 in. (50.4 x 40.7 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1994.23.4, © 1990, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.

Artwork Details

Title
The Guardian
Artist
Date
1990
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
sheet: 19 7⁄8 x 16 in. (50.4 x 40.7 cm.)
Copyright
© 1990, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
Credit Line
Museum purchase
Mediums Description
gelatin silver print
Classifications
Highlights
Subjects
  • Architecture Exterior
  • Object — other — flag
  • Dress — accessory — eye wear
  • Figure group — male and child
  • African American
  • Landscape
Object Number
1994.23.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1994.23.4

Artwork Description

Many of Hudnall’s photographs focus on children and the elderly. “A unique commonality exists between young and old,” he observes, “because there is always a continuity between the past and the future. It is this commonality which I strive to depict in my work.” In The Guardian, a father enfolds his young daughter as they stand along a street reflected in the mirrored lenses of his glasses. The American flag tucked behind his ear suggests more – that in addition to warmth and affection, he is passing on a sense of community and patriotic pride.


African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, and Beyond, 2012

Works by this artist (10 items)

View all artworks
Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Lady in Black Hat with Feathers, 1990, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1994.64.3, © 1990, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
Lady in Black Hat with Feathers
Artist
Date1990
gelatin silver print
Not on view
Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Just Thinking, 1984, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the artist, 1994.64.1, © 1984, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
Just Thinking
Artist
Date1984
gelatin silver print
Not on view
Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Hip Hop, 1993, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1994.23.7, © 1993, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
Hip Hop
Artist
Date1993
gelatin silver print
Not on view
Earlie Hudnall, Jr., Street Champion, 1986, gelatin silver print, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase, 1994.23.5, © 1986, Earlie Hudnall, Jr.
Street Champion
Artist
Date1986
gelatin silver print
Not on view

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