James Baldwin showed up on Beauford’s doorstep one day in 1940 after being advised by a mutual friend that he would be able to provide thoughtful and nuanced insight into the troubles Baldwin was experiencing. This was the beginning of what was arguably the most important relationship in Beauford’s life. Dark Rapture, Beauford’s first portrait of Baldwin, was painted one year later. It is one of Beauford’s most celebrated works and is a thought provoking study in color and form.

Beauford rarely painted nudes. With this in mind, Dark Rapture becomes a testament to the love he held for his protégé. Baldwin’s figure becomes dynamic with hues of red and blue, the seated pose brought to life. His face is close to being indistinguishable with the yellows and pinks illuminating his features. The swarms of paint and color that swirl around Baldwin make it impossible to place his surroundings: perhaps on a bed, two trees framing him. What becomes focal is Baldwin’s poised and regal figure. Beauford painted him how he saw him: reserved, quietly emanating confidence.