Portrait of Nance O'Neil dressed in black

Nance O'Neil was called the American Bernhardt, playing significant roles such as Lady Macbeth and Camille. She moved from theatre to silent film in 1915 after signing with William Fox. She was overshadowed by Fox's other star Theda Bara and returned to the theater in 1918. Nance came back to talking films around 1929 and appeared in several early sound pictures. She has been quoted saying that "tradition has made women cowardly". In this portrait O'Neil is posed standing with a frontal view. O'Neil's countenance appears critical and pensive, as she directs her gaze away from the camera and looks upward. The right side of O'Neil's face is cloaked in shadows, giving the model an air of authority. O'Neil is attired in a dark garment that engulfs her body and neck. Her only apparent accessories are a dark cap and a lone hoop earring. The background is a mixture of dark and shadows, providing an atmosphere of mystery.
Portrait of Nance O'Neil Dressed in Black
Inventory
Collection Number
17654
Building
Current Location
Storage Room 303
Floor
Lower Level/Vault
Description
Details
A sepia toned photograph of Nance O’Neil Dressed in Black
Artist
Framed
No
Width
0 inches
Height
19 inches
Length
13 inches
Donor
Donor Name
James R. and Joyce A. Finley and Charles David and Linda Hixon
Library Owns
No
Permissions
Reproduce the Work in Library publications/publicity, including film or videotape
Yes
Reproduce
Library has Photography Rights
Yes
Photograph
Permit the general public to photograph the work
Yes
Slides/Video