Study for an illustration for Knopf's 1929 edition of Carl van Vechten's controversial novel, Nigger Heaven, originally published in 1926. At center, two figures are interlocked: one standing, the other one kneeling with their arms wrapped around the standing figure's legs. The standing figure (at left) wears a red dress, and pushes their right hand into the face of the keeling figure. The figure in red's left arm is raised above the keeling figure's head. The kneeling figure wears a black suit. In the background, a roughly rendered chair, at left.

There is one other image of this object. See our image rights statement.

Object Timeline

1929	Work on this object began.
1963	We acquired this object.
2015	We photographed this object.
2019	We photographed this object.
2021	You found it!

Drawing, Study for Nigger Heaven, 1929

This is a Drawing. It was designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer and written by Carl van Vechten and published by Alfred A. Knopf. It is dated 1929 and we acquired it in 1963. Its medium is pen and black ink, brush and watercolor on paper. It is a part of the Drawings, Prints, and Graphic Design department.

This object was donated by Mrs. Edward McKnight Kauffer. It is credited Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer.

Its dimensions are

34.7 × 27.5 cm (13 11/16 × 10 13/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Drawing, Study for Nigger Heaven, 1929; Designed by Edward McKnight Kauffer (American, active England, 1890–1954); USA; pen and black ink, brush and watercolor on paper; 34.7 × 27.5 cm (13 11/16 × 10 13/16 in.); Gift of Mrs. E. McKnight Kauffer; 1963-39-314

Short URL http://cprhw.tt/o/2CxRD/
Accession Number 1963-39-314
Object ID 18447691