Portrait of Julia Arthur

Portrait of Julia Arthur
Inventory
Collection Number: 
17603
Building: 
Current Location: 
Storage Room 303
Floor: 
Lower Level/Vault
Object Description
Artist: 
Artist Dates: 
1884-1982
Artist Nationality: 
American
Object Type: 
Details: 
This is a sepia-toned photograph of Julia Arthur.
Framed: 
Yes
 - Glass
Length: 
25 inches
Width: 
1 inch
Height: 
31 inches
Description: 

Julia Arthur, born with the name Ida Lewis, began acting at a young age. She began her professional acting career with the Bandmann Company in 1880 and began going by her industry alias Julia Arthur. After her majorly successful role as the Queen in "The Black Masque" (1892), Arthur was cast in many more leading roles such as Ophelia, Juliet, and Lady MacBeth. Her clout in the industry translates in her dress in this photograph, as she wears a suit coat and narrow suspenders with ornate embellishments. The tilt of her silk-wrapped boater hat creates a shadow that nearly masks her right eye, intensifying her already stern gaze. Moreover, she looks directly at the camera in an upright pose. White streaks in the background applied by Hixon in the development process create a painterly effect around Arthur's figure, contrasting the rigidity of her demeanor.

Reproduce the Work in Library publications/publicity, including film or videotape: 
Yes
Make slides or videotapes for educational use: 
Yes
Permit the general public to photograph the work : 
Yes