Paul Robeson Singing in Concert
June 2, 1941
Charcoal on artist’s paper
14” x 11”
Paul Robeson, who was then being monitored by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a suspected Communist, was one of the artist Ruth Starr Rose’s personal heroes. From her front-row seat at his Newark concert on June 2, 1941, she sketched him in profile as he sang in front of the conductor, with a large American flag proudly displayed as a backdrop.