Richard AvedonAmerican, 1923–2004Buster Keaton, Comedian
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Buster Keaton, Comedian” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
Considered one of film history's greatest comedic actors, Joseph Francis Keaton (1895-1966) began acting in vaudeville at age three. He discovered early on that, the more serious I turned, the bigger laugh I got. Though the comedian is not smiling here, Avedon's image hints at Keaton's nature via rakish angles and composition. Elements are arranged to frame the eyes and face. Keaton's fingers appear light and loose around the hat's brim, contradicting his stone-faced expression.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 81.94.2
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — Photograph by Richard Avedon ©The Richard Avedon Foundation
In the life of Richard Avedon
The whole life1950–1952
Look, Graphis and Theatre Arts
From 1950 Avedon also contributes photographs to Look and Graphis, and in 1952 he becomes staff editor/photographer for Theatre Arts Magazine.
1951
Marries Evelyn Franklin
Avedon marries Evelyn Franklin; their marriage produces one son, John.
1952
Son born: John Avedon
