Photograph: Tinted photographic portrait of a woman stage or circus performer, early 1900s
1900 – 1920 (Date manufactured/created)
17 in H
X
12 in W
Measurement Notes: visible portion
26.75 in H X 21.5 in W Measurement Notes: with frame
26.75 in H X 21.5 in W Measurement Notes: with frame
Framed oversized photograph of a woman in an "exotic" costume, seated on a crescent moon. This image is related to the Smith/Sharpe Family of Circus Performers collection. The enlarged photograph has been hand colored, tinting the costume in shades of rose pink, blue-green, metallic gold, and other colors. The subject's hair is mainly covered by a pink, turban-like head covering, save for the short brown curls on her forehead. The shoes are cranberry red and feature narrow cross straps, and heels. She wears a short blue vest, like a bolero, and a very wide pink sash. Her mid-calf length skirt is cream color and features a pattern of motifs that have been painted a metallic gold. The background is entirely dark; it seems that the studio set was designed to make it appear that she was floating in space, sitting on a sliver of the moon.
The image was tentatively identified by the donor as being that of a famous circus equestrienne Linda Jeal, who was a family friend. However, for a number of reasons, it seems more likely to be a member of their family who was a dancer and performer in vaudeville, "Dollie" Sharpe. The "paper moon" or "Man in the Moon" genre of photography was popular from about 1900 to 1940, although the crescent in this setting is so slender that it is not an obvious paper moon. The subject's right hand rests on a tambourine, of which just the edge is visible. Although the subject is attired in a costume, not street clothing, the style does not reflect what Linda Jeal wore for her equestrienne performances. She was known for her daring feats as a bareback horse rider, and notably for leaping through flaming hoops. To protect herself from harm she designed a form-fitting costume without loose trims and fabrics that could catch on fire, not at all like this outfit. In addition the facial features appear more like those of Florence "Dollie" Sharpe, (sister of Kitty Sharpe Smith and sister-in-law of Edwin Fritz Smith) when compared to identified photographs, although the two women do bear a resemblance to one another. The identity of this woman is therefore uncertain at this time.
The image was tentatively identified by the donor as being that of a famous circus equestrienne Linda Jeal, who was a family friend. However, for a number of reasons, it seems more likely to be a member of their family who was a dancer and performer in vaudeville, "Dollie" Sharpe. The "paper moon" or "Man in the Moon" genre of photography was popular from about 1900 to 1940, although the crescent in this setting is so slender that it is not an obvious paper moon. The subject's right hand rests on a tambourine, of which just the edge is visible. Although the subject is attired in a costume, not street clothing, the style does not reflect what Linda Jeal wore for her equestrienne performances. She was known for her daring feats as a bareback horse rider, and notably for leaping through flaming hoops. To protect herself from harm she designed a form-fitting costume without loose trims and fabrics that could catch on fire, not at all like this outfit. In addition the facial features appear more like those of Florence "Dollie" Sharpe, (sister of Kitty Sharpe Smith and sister-in-law of Edwin Fritz Smith) when compared to identified photographs, although the two women do bear a resemblance to one another. The identity of this woman is therefore uncertain at this time.
Gift of Susan Crozier Fairchild
2022.002.003