[Two Unidentified Men]

Date	ca. 1915
Location	United States
Dimensions	Image: 4 3/4 x 3 7/8 in. (12.1 x 9.8 cm) Paper: 5 1/2 x 3 7/8 in. (14 x 9.8 cm) Mount: 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 in. (16.5 x 10.8 cm)
Print medium	Photo-Gelatin silver-Cabinet card

These soldiers are playing the guitar, an instrument associated with the blues. In the 1800s, the blues developed on Southern plantations, and spread during the early twentieth century as African Americans migrated to industrial centers around the country. The musicians in this photograph may have been members of a military band, but when this photograph was taken they were playing in a casual setting, most likely during their free time from military duties.

Credit line

Gift of Daniel Cowin, 1990

Feedback Accession No. 407.1990