Hou Chi Minh with Cigarette and Large Leaf, Meeting with Voroshilov, Vietnam

Accession Number
2012/2.88

Title
Hou Chi Minh with Cigarette and Large Leaf, Meeting with Voroshilov, Vietnam

Artist(s)
Dmitri Baltermants

Artist Nationality
Russian (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
1957

Medium & Support
gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
11 in x 14 in (27.94 cm x 35.56 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James Agah, Class of 1989 (BBA)

Subject matter
In this photograph, Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh occupies the center of the composition while an aid lights his cigarette. Two Russian officials—Kliment Voroshilov and another unidentified man—stand to the right attempting to engage in conversation and/or negotiations with the head of state who seems otherwise occupied. Ho Chi Minh wears loose-fitting khaki fatigues, the jacket of which is unbuttoned to expose his crisp, white undershirt. The lack of formality demonstrated by the Communist leader belies the evidently official nature of the scene. The large leaf Ho Chi Minh holds is a mystery. 

Physical Description
Four men meet outdoors. The leftmost man lights a cigarette for the shorter man next to him.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
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Keywords
gelatin silver process
groups of political entities
leaf (plant material)
politicians
smoking (activity)
visits of state

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved