Portrait of Olsen and Johnson

John Sigvand “Ole” Olsen and Harold Ogden “Chic” Johnson were American comedians of vaudeville, radio, stage, motion pictures, and television. Olsen and Johnson partnered in 1914 perfecting their comedy during the vaudeville era. Olsen and Johnson were also Broadway sensations most noted for their comedy “Hellzapoppin” that opened in 1938 and would later become a major motion picture. Olsen and Johnson had occasional television appearances later in their career. This photograph shows a different side of the duo by creating the illusion that Olsen's head is being served on a platter held up by Johnson. Total darkness surrounding the head, arm, and platter make this illusion possible and is confirmed by Olsen's lifeless facial expression and the tilt in his seemingly unsupported head.
Portrait of Olsen and Johnson
Inventory
Collection Number
17539
Building
Current Location
Storage Room 303
Floor
Lower Level/Vault
Description
Details
This is a sepia-toned photograph of John Sigvand “Ole” Olsen and Harold Ogden “Chic” Johnson.
Artist
Framed
Yes
 - Glass
Width
1 inch
Height
31 inches
Length
25 inches
Donor
Donor Name
James R. and Joyce A. Finely and Charles David and Linda Hixon
Library Owns
No
Permissions
Reproduce the Work in Library publications/publicity, including film or videotape
Yes
Reproduce
Library has Photography Rights
Yes
Photograph
Permit the general public to photograph the work
Yes
Slides/Video