Words on Pictures

  The Dual Legacy of Romana Javitz: Pictorial Documentation and Artistic Collaboration photograph by Trude Fleischmann. ca. 1942. Private Collection. Romana Javitz’s tenure as head of the New York Public Library’s Picture Collection marked a pivotal moment in the history of visual archives. By promoting images as tools for research and documentation, she redefined their role within public libraries, challenging the traditional view that confined them to art alone. Through her efforts, the Picture Collection became a critical resource for artists, anthropologists, designers, and writers, fostering both practical and creative uses of visual material.   Pictures as Documents Javitz’s approach to the Picture Collection was shaped by her recognition of images as cultural and historical documents. During her travels in Europe, she observed how state organizations systematically documented folk traditions and everyday life through visual media. Inspired by these practices, Javitz exp...

  Words on Pictures: Romana Javitz and the New York Public Library’s Picture Collection  won an honorable mention in the  Photography Network's annual photo book prize!  It will be announced at the PN annual convention in Washington D.C. October 13-15. Honored and gratified that Romana Javitz is getting some academic attention.  Thank you Photography Network! Words on Pictures: Romana and the New York Public Library’s Picture Collection .  edited by Anthony T. Troncale. New York:  PhotoVerso Publications, LLC , 2020.    ISBN 978-1-7346409-0-8 (hardcover)   Identifiers ISBN    978-1-7346409-1-5 (ebook) #photography, #visual arts, #photographers, #visualresources, #librarians, #documentation, art libraries, art history, theater, #NewYorkCity, #FarmSecurityAdministration, #LibraryofCongress, #visualliteracy, Sol Libsohn, #illustration, #advertising, #Troncale, publishing, children's, art, photo, #WPA, #F...