George W. Walker in 'In Dahomey'
- Artist: Cavendish Morton
- Date: 1903
- Medium: platinotype print
- Dimensions: 5 7/8 in. x 4 1/8 in. (149 mm x 106 mm)
- Portrays: George W. Walker
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
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About this artwork
Before you is a platinotype print from 1903, showing actor and dancer George W. Walker in his costume for “In Dahomey.” The portrait captures him at eye level: he looks relaxed, with a slight tilt of the head that makes the gaze direct toward us. His hat—tall and brimmed—is rendered in fine detail; the shadows beneath it hint at the texture of the fabric. The use of platinum gives the image a soft, almost velvety tone, typical of early 20th‑century photography. Walker himself appeared in six such portraits, while photographer Cavendish Morton produced over a hundred.
See it in person
George W. Walker in 'In Dahomey' is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
