John Woodson "Pops" Whitesell (New Orleans, 1876-1958), portrait of ceramic artist Juanita Gonzalez (New Orleans, 1903-1935), vintage photograph ca. 1930-1935

About the sitter: New Orleans native Juanita Gonzalez graduated from Newcomb College in 1925 before heading to New York City, where she studied under the leading cubist sculptor and artist Alexander Archipenko (Russia / France / New York, 1887-1964). Gonzales opened a studio upon returning home to New Orleans, where she showcased clay sculpture, tile, and pottery. Gonzales’s creative influence--far ahead of its time--continued at her alma mater Newcomb College, which now, as part of Tulane University’s School of Liberal Arts, annually bestows the Juanita Gonzales Prize in Ceramics.

About the photographer: After establishing his French Quarter studio in 1921, Whitesell enjoyed a successful practice concentrating on portraiture. His sitters included the most elite members of New Orleans society, like debutantes and Mardi Gras royalty, to its most poverty-stricken. Whitesell was not only adept in the lighting of a single portrait subject as well as larger group portraits. His work was exhibited throughout the world, and acquired by museums, such as Smithsonian Institution's permanent collections in Washington, D.C.