Charles White, Folk Singer (Voice of Jericho), 1958

Charles White’s Folk Singer (Voice of Jericho) is a monumental linocut that vibrates with sound, spirit, and cultural power. Created in 1958, this print (sometimes titled simply Folksinger) depicts Harry Belafonte, the legendary singer, actor, and civil rights leader, his head tilted back and mouth open in a moment of intense song or outcry. White’s mastery of the linocut technique is evident in the swirling, rhythmic lines that envelop the figure, suggesting not only the resonance of music but also waves of emotional and social energy. Signed, titled, and dated in pencil, this rare proof comes from an intended edition of 30, of which only 25 were realized.

This work exemplifies White’s commitment to portraying Black dignity, resilience, and the transformative power of art and music. The image of Belafonte transcends portraiture to become a symbol of resistance and humanity, reflecting the deep ties between the arts and activism in mid-20th-century America. The linocut is not only a tribute to Belafonte’s artistic and social influence but also part of a larger dialogue, as White, Belafonte, and their peer Sidney Poitier all stood at the intersection of culture and justice. Notably, this impression was acquired by Sidney Poitier as a wedding gift for director Stanley Kramer, who would later work with Poitier on the landmark film Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, connecting this artwork to pivotal moments in American civil rights and cinema history.