Ebony and Ivory 1897

"Ebony and Ivory" is a photogravure by American photographer F. Holland Day, created in 1897. The image depicts a young African American man seated in a dark studio, holding a white plaster statuette of a classical male nude figure. The contrast of the black and white figures, combined with the shadowy setting, creates a striking visual statement. The work explores themes of race, identity, and the relationship between the human body and art. This iconic image is a key example of Day's artistic exploration of social and cultural issues.