I have mentioned before that J.D. Toloff photographed the famous, and "just plain folks". This week's selection fits in both of those categories: Charles Gates Dawes of Evanston, Illinois. Dawes was the Vice President of the United States (1925–1929) under President Calvin Coolidge. He was also the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1926. An excellent summation of the life and works of Charles Gates Dawes can be found here:
But to the people of Evanston, Illinois he was just another citizen who they saw on the street, at church or Evanston civic events. So it was not unexpected that Dawes should approach the "Photographer De Luxe for the North Shore" J.D. Toloff to have his portrait taken. Here is the result:
If you take a close look at the photo you can appreciate Toloff's photographic talents. Parts of the photo are soft focus, some are sharply clear. Part of Dawes' face is in shadow, part in a light that is almost harsh. But through it all, you are drawn to the sharp, non-wavering gaze of his piercing eyes.
Toloff has left us a piece of history, and a work of art.
I found a box of old photos cleaning out my parents house. There is a Toloff photo. What does someone do with old photos like this?
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