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In the News

‘Little Pictures Big Lives’

Whether working, posing with family pets, attending parties or relaxing at the beach, famous artists show that they are human too in this showcase of snapshots from the Archives of American Art.

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The late New York art dealer Colin de Land was known for always having cheap point-and-shoot cameras around for his clients, friends and hangers-on to document the sometimes raucous scene surrounding his galleries. Baltimore filmmaker John Waters, whose art was shown by de Land, is seen in this 2000 party picture.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution /

Inspired by jazz, the surrealist painter Gertrude Abercrombie was friends with many musicians, such as trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie, seen celebrating his 47th birthday.

Inspired by jazz, the surrealist painter Gertrude Abercrombie was friends with many musicians, such as trumpet player Dizzy Gillespie, seen celebrating his 47th birthday.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

It takes more than artists to make the art world go round. In this 1942 snapshot, art historian Agnes Rindge Claflin inspects a mobile in the studio of Alexander Calder. The following year, Claflin wrote and narrated a 10-minute film about the artist for the Museum of Modern Art.

It takes more than artists to make the art world go round. In this 1942 snapshot, art historian Agnes Rindge Claflin inspects a mobile in the studio of Alexander Calder. The following year, Claflin wrote and narrated a 10-minute film about the artist for the Museum of Modern Art.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Artists are people too. Many of the photos in 'Little Pictures Big Lives' depict creative types at play, such as this Polaroid of unidentified beachgoers from the collection of art dealer Colin de Land, whose snapshots document two decades of the New York art scene, beginning in the mid-1980s.

Artists are people too. Many of the photos in "Little Pictures Big Lives" depict creative types at play, such as this Polaroid of unidentified beachgoers from the collection of art dealer Colin de Land, whose snapshots document two decades of the New York art scene, beginning in the mid-1980s.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

This 1963 snapshot of painter Jasper Johns in his studio seems to catch the artist searching for inspiration.

This 1963 snapshot of painter Jasper Johns in his studio seems to catch the artist searching for inspiration.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Honoré Sharrer maintained an extensive file of visual references for her paintings. Here, a canine model poses on a tabletop.

Honoré Sharrer maintained an extensive file of visual references for her paintings. Here, a canine model poses on a tabletop.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Known for landscapes exploring man's connection to nature, Rockwell Kent is seen painting in the snow in this anonymous snapshot from around 1930.

Known for landscapes exploring man's connection to nature, Rockwell Kent is seen painting in the snow in this anonymous snapshot from around 1930.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock appears with his dogs Gyp and Ahab.

Abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock appears with his dogs Gyp and Ahab.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Married to Jackson Pollock, the painter Lee Krasner strikes a goofy pose in this beach scene from around 1950.

Married to Jackson Pollock, the painter Lee Krasner strikes a goofy pose in this beach scene from around 1950.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Although Pablo Picasso isn't remembered as a family man, the painter is shown posing next to Maya Picasso, his daughter by mistress Maria-Therese Walter. The handwritten caption reads, 'His daughter with whom he's very much in love.'

Although Pablo Picasso isn't remembered as a family man, the painter is shown posing next to Maya Picasso, his daughter by mistress Maria-Therese Walter. The handwritten caption reads, "His daughter with whom he's very much in love."

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

New York Times art critic Aline Saarinen snaps a photo on a boat, as her husband Eero Saarinen, the architect who designed the main terminal at Dulles Airport, lounges in the background.

New York Times art critic Aline Saarinen snaps a photo on a boat, as her husband Eero Saarinen, the architect who designed the main terminal at Dulles Airport, lounges in the background.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

Sculptors Richard Serra and Nancy Holt pose for the camera of art critic and curator Bruce D. Kurtz.

Sculptors Richard Serra and Nancy Holt pose for the camera of art critic and curator Bruce D. Kurtz.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

During the summers of 1932 and 1933, painter Grant Wood ('American Gothic') helped establish an art colony in Stone City, Iowa. Here, Wood, in his trademark overalls, puts the finishing touches on a refurbished ice wagon, which some colony residents used as housing.

During the summers of 1932 and 1933, painter Grant Wood ("American Gothic") helped establish an art colony in Stone City, Iowa. Here, Wood, in his trademark overalls, puts the finishing touches on a refurbished ice wagon, which some colony residents used as housing.

Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

FEATURED PHOTO GALLERIES

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 13: Many seminary graduates are choosing not to become pastors. Rebecca J. Cole received her Master of Divinity and is becoming a community organizer on Capitol Hill. She hugs another graduate after the ceremony. The 2013 Commencement ceremony for Wesley Theological Seminary was held on May 13 at the Washington National Cathedral. (Photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

Eager to minister, but not from the pulpit

An increasing number of divinity students who don’t plan to become pastors envision using their degrees to “minister” in a...

ARLINGTON, VA- MAY 17: Thousands of bike enthusiasts took to the streets Friday, May 17, 2013 in celebration of Bike to Work day. Bikers leave the Rosslyn Gateway Park pit stop on Friday morning. Commuter Connections and The Washington Area Bicyclist Association hosted cyclists at 70 pit stops across the metropolitan region. (Photo by Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

Thousands participate in Bike to Work Day

More than 14,000 people registered for the area's annual celebration of commuting on two wheels.

epa03704474 A Muslim woman at the ThetKalPyin temporary relief camp near Sittwe in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar, 17 May 2013. A total of 13 people were confirmed dead in neighboring Bangladesh as people began to return home from shelters, a day after Cyclone Mahasen hit the coast, officials said 17 May. EPA/NYEIN CHAN NAING

Photos of the day

Cyclone Mahasen, Texas tornadoes, puffin census, melting Swiss glacier and more.

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 16: American Idol Season 12 Winner Candice Glover (C) is seen onstage during Fox's 'American Idol 2013' Finale Results Show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Candice Glover wins 12th season of ‘American Idol’

The 23-year-old vocal powerhouse from St. Helena Island, S.C., tops competition in her third try.

US actress Claire Julien smiles on May 16, 2013 while posing during a photocall for the film 'The Bling Ring' at the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes. Cannes, one of the world's top film festivals, opened on May 15 and will climax on May 26 with awards selected by a jury headed this year by Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg. AFP PHOTO / ALBERTO PIZZOLI (Photo credit should read ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/Getty Images)

Eye on entertainment

Claire Julien, David Hasselhoff, Freida Pinto, Candice Glover, Martin Short and more.

**LOC IMAGE** Geo. Hamilton, Assistant Superintendent, Cambria Iron Mills house, Johnstown Flood, May 31st, 1889. (Photo by Ernest Walter Histed / Library of Congress)

The Johnstown Flood of 1889

On May 31, 1889, the South Fork dam that held Lake Conemaugh failed, and 20 million tons of water descended upon Johnstown, Pa. The flood claimed the lives of 2,209 people and spurred...

HACIPASA, TURKEY - MAY 5: Syrian refugee Hala ponders her life on the run on Sunday, May 5, 2013, in Hacipasa, Turkey. Three times this morning, the sounds of aircrafts were followed by explosions that shook the ground. Hacipasa, which sits just across the river border from Syria, is home of several hundred Syrian refugees who have been displaced by their home country's conflict. For a year, Hala and her family have been displaced from their home village in Syria because of violent conflict. After bouncing from village to village, fleeing bombings that seemed to follow them, the family crossed into Turkey six weeks ago. Initially, the family was deported back into Syria, where they lived in camps for internally displaced Syrians. But when the camps were bombed, the family was allowed to cross into Turkey. Hala said, 'The blood of the people who died in Syria, the martyrs, is our sad song, but nobody is listening.' (Photo by Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

Turkey faces a refugee crisis

More than 400,000 Syrians have crossed into Turkey seeking refuge from the conflict at home. Finding its resources stretched, Turkey is urgently appealing for international aid and...

(FILES) In this file picture taken on January 31, 2013 British football player David Beckham poses presenting his new jersey after a press conference at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. David Beckham is to retire from professional football at the end of the season, his representative announced on May 16, 2013. The 38-year-old midfielder has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan, as well as winning 115 caps for England, and recently won the French Ligue 1 championship with Paris Saint-Germain. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFEFRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

David Beckham announces his retirement

The 38-year-old British soccer superstar says he will retire when his French team’s season ends May 26.

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