Daniel Freeman was an African American artist and photographer based in Washington, DC, born in 1868 in Alexandria, VA. At the age of 13 he moved to Washington, DC to attend drawing classes in the public schools. He studied photography under the direction of E.J. Pullman, and began a business in 1885. One of his best-known works is a photograph of African American students around a cadaver at the Howard University College of Medicine in 1912.
Freeman is known for documenting African American life and education of this period in history. Rarely found at auction, Alex Cooper is pleased to offer three works by the photographer in our September 27th Gallery Auction. The works are from the Estate of James K. Hill, of Washington, DC, who was a lifelong collector of art, with a focus on African American art.
Two of the works were part of a traveling exhibition: “Refections in Black: Smithsonian African American Photography,” in 2000, which explored the history and impact of African American photographers from 1842 through the present. The exhibition showcased how African Americans have used photography as a means of cultural expression over the past century and a half. Read about the exhibition here.
First in Hill Collection, is lot 1225, “Portrait of a Baby.” While not part of the Smithsonian Exhibit, it is a charming historical piece.
Lot 1225, Daniel Freeman. Portrait of a Baby, photograph
Lot 1226, “Portrait of a Couple,” was part of the Smithsonian Exhibition. It is hand signed and inscribed by the photographer, “woman wearing mourning dress with man.” It is speculated that the sitters might be William and Amanada Chase of Washington, DC, who are depicted in portraits by Jose Jimenz Aranda, at lots 1210 and 1211.
Top right: Lot 1226, top left: Lot 1210, bottom: Lot 1211
Lastly, we find an important photograph, “Funeral of Reverend George Lee” at lot 1227. This work was also part of the Smithsonian Exhibition with interesting notations on the silver print. Writing on the photo reads, “Our Pastor died, Feb. 6, 1910, VT Aveuneu Baptist Church, Rev. Geo. Lee, DD, LLD.” It is a moving and emotional photograph.
Lot 1227, Daniel Freeman. "Funeral of Rev. George W. Lee," photograph
Do not miss this chance to take home one of these historically important works!
Kathleen Hamill
Director of Modern & Contemporary Art