American Cool' at National Portrait Gallery Picks the 100 Coolest Americans (PHOTOS)
In an effort to define what is "cool," the National Portrait Gallery in D.C. has chosen 100 American icons that it thinks embodies the national concept. See a selection of them here.
Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation
"Deborah Harry," 1978, Robert Mapplethorpe
Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation
"Madonna," 1983, Kate Simon
Collection of the artist © Kate Simon
"Elvis Presley," 1956, Roger Marshutz
The Estee Stanley Private Collection © Roger Marshutz, courtesy Peter Marshutz and the Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
"Jimi Hendrix," 1967, Linda McCartney
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of the photographer, Linda McCartney é1967 Paul McCartney / Photographer: Linda McCartney.
"Audrey Hepburn," 1955, Philippe Halsman
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution © Philippe Halsman Archive
"James Dean," 1954, Roy Schatt
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Schatt © Roy Schatt
"Frederick Douglass," 1856, Unidentified Artist
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; purchased with funds from an anonymous donor
"Jean-Michel Basquiat," 1986, Dmitri Kasterine
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; acquired through the generosity of Norman and Beverly Cox in honor of their daughter Cara
"Billie Holiday," 1951, Bob Willoughby
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bob Willoughby © Bob Willoughby
"Steve McQueen," 1962, William Claxton
Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles, CA; © William Claxton Estate, courtesy Fahey/Klein Gallery, Los Angeles, CA
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