Artwork Page for Untitled (Harley)

Details / Information for Untitled (Harley)

Untitled (Harley)

1950s–60s

Lee Balterman

(American, 1920–2012)
Culture
America
Medium
gelatin silver print
Measurements
Image: 49.2 x 34.9 cm (19 3/8 x 13 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Carl and Joan Schneider 2021.220
Copyright
Copyright
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The image of the motorcyclist in 1950s America was that of the rebel, one who deviated from societal norms.

Description

Lee Balterman spent six decades chronicling life in Chicago for newspapers, magazines, and his personal satisfaction. His view of this chrome-laden Harley Davidson motorcycle almost becomes a stand-in for its owner. The machine was clearly someone’s pride and joy—and his obsession. He has customized it with an ornate framework that holds a plethora of headlights, enough to both light up his path and announce his arrival.
A vertically oriented black-and-white photograph crops closely around the front of a chrome motorcycle, appearing as a dense cluster of intersecting spheres and cylinders. Numerous circular headlights and horns catch sharp highlights, creating a mosaic of mirrored reflections. A metallic horse figurine stands atop the front fender above a 1955 model crest. Below, a white-wall tire rests on speckled ground, its pale curve contrasting with the darker surface.

Untitled (Harley)

1950s–60s

Lee Balterman

(American, 1920–2012)
America

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