Artwork
Head of a Youth, Benin
Head of a Youth, Benin is a photographic photography by Walker Evans. It dates from 1935 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The head is round, with a smooth, dark surface and a wide mouth showing even teeth.
This is a black-and-white photo of a sculpted face. The head is round, with a smooth, dark surface and a wide mouth showing even teeth. A textured crown sits on top, and a thick, braided collar wraps around the neck. The eyes are large and still, staring straight ahead.
This photo was taken in 1935 as part of an exhibition of African art. The sculpture itself is made of bronze and comes from Benin, now part of Nigeria.
Look up Walker Evans to see more of his work.
Overview
The black‑and‑white image, taken in 1935, records a bronze head sculpture originating from the historic kingdom of Benin, now within modern Nigeria. The photograph was produced for an exhibition of African art, documenting the work as it appeared in the display.
Subject & Meaning
The sculpted visage presents a youthful male figure, characterized by a rounded form, a smooth dark surface, and a pronounced mouth with evenly spaced teeth. A stylized crown crowns the head, while a thick, braided collar encircles the neck, suggesting status or ceremonial significance within Benin artistic conventions.
Technique & Style
Cast in bronze, the sculpture exhibits a polished yet textured finish that captures light across its surfaces. The artist employed traditional Beninese casting methods, resulting in a solid, three‑dimensional form that emphasizes facial features and ornamental headgear.
History & Provenance
Created in the Benin region, the piece entered the Western art market and was displayed in a 1935 African art exhibition. The photograph by Walker Evans serves as one of the earliest visual records of this object in a museum context.
Context
During the early twentieth century, African art began to receive increased scholarly and curatorial attention in the United States. Exhibitions such as the one documented by Evans contributed to a broader awareness of Benin’s sculptural heritage among Western audiences.
Artist & collection
Artist
Walker Evans made stark black-and-white photos of carved wooden heads from Benin in 1935.
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