Derfner Museum Opens Portrait Photography Exhibition

The Riverdale museum hosts a collection of 30 works exploring American history and identity.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Judaism

Bold vector editorial illustration of an empty ornate picture frame on a gallery wall, representing a portrait photography exhibition. — The Derfner Judaica Museum in Riverdale has opened a new photography exhibition, "Taking a Broad View," showcasing 30 portraits exploring American identity. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Derfner Judaica Museum in Riverdale has unveiled its latest exhibition, Taking a Broad View. The show features 30 photographs from 13 artists, curated from the museum's existing collection to align with the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Why it matters

The exhibition serves as a reflective look at American cultural life through diverse perspectives, ranging from mid-century celebrity portraits to contemporary explorations of representation.

The collection features 30 photographs by 13 artists spanning from the late 19th century to the early 21st century. Museum admission is free for all visitors.

The players

Derfner Judaica Museum

Located in Riverdale at 5901 Palisade Ave, the museum houses a significant collection of Jewish art and artifacts.

James Kriegsmann

Born in 1909, this photographer is widely recognized for his iconic portraits of mid-20th century celebrities.

Larry Fink

An American photographer known for his social documentary work, including the Making Out series.

Judy Gelles

A photographer whose work often explores domestic and familial dynamics through focused portrait series.

Cedric Smith

An artist who focuses his work on reclaiming historical narratives and addressing the lack of Black representation in visual culture.

The details

Spanning works from the late 19th century to the early 21st century, the exhibition includes the 10-piece series Majestuosas Princesas by GisMO and Larry Fink's Making Out series. The curation also highlights James Kriegsmann, who famously photographed Frank Sinatra in 1940, and Cedric Smith, who addresses the lack of Black representation in advertisements.

James Kriegsmann photographed Frank Sinatra in 1940.
Larry Fink shot the Making Out series between 1957 and 1980.
Judy Gelles captured her Family Portrait series in Rhode Island between 1977 and 1982.
The exhibition remains on view through January 24, 2027.

Culture Shift

The exhibition aligns its curatorial focus with the 250th anniversary of the United States to examine the evolving nature of American identity. This reflects a broader trend among cultural institutions to reinterpret their collections through the lens of national historical milestones.

Residents can visit the museum at 5901 Palisade Ave in Riverdale to view the exhibition during operating hours. As admission is free, the collection provides an accessible way to engage with the historical and artistic themes presented.

The takeaway

This exhibition highlights how portraiture can capture the nuances of individual identity over more than a century of American history. Visitors can use the display to observe how photographic techniques and social representation have evolved since the late 1800s.