Photograph by
Unidentified
Subject of
Cathrell, Laura, 1914 - 1999
Edison, Birdie Warfield, American
Unidentified Woman or Women
Unidentified Man or Men
Date
1933-1950
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (Image): 4 5/8 × 6 3/4 in. (11.7 × 17.2 cm)
H x W (Sheet): 5 × 6 15/16 in. (12.7 × 17.6 cm)
Description
A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of a man and five female performers in costume. Laura Cathrell is centrally depicted, with the man standing beside her, and two female performers standing on either side of the couple. Laura Cathrell is depicted standing facing the left edge of the photograph, looking up towards the man. She is wearing a striped dress with a white ruffle at the hemline. She holds the edge of her skirt up with her proper left hand. She is also wearing a medium toned half hat. The man is wearing a dark jacket, light toned pants, and a white collared shirt. He is depicted in profile, facing Laura Cathrell. The two female performers on the left side of the image, Birdie Warfield Edison and an unidentified woman, are standing in a row behind the man, with their bodies turned towards him and their heads turned towards the viewer. Their proper right arms are bent at the elbow and extended towards Cathrell and the man. The female performers on the right side image are posed in a mirror image of the female performers on the left. All of the female performers, except for Cathrell, are wearing identical costumes that include short sleeve, black dresses. The dresses are off-the-shoulders and have large ruffles at the hemline. They are also wearing fascinators tied under their chins, with large white flower attached to the proper side and second flower at the knot under their chins. In the background, on the left side of the image, is a drum set. There are no inscriptions on the front or back of the photograph.
Collection title
The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
Classification
Media Arts-Photography
Type
gelatin silver prints
portraits
Topic
Dance
Entertainers
Nightlife
Photography
Theatre
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2013.46.25.201
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57823dccb-5fb7-4a5f-b4fd-1f04058c716e

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page