Portrait of Ruth St. Denis in Costume

Photographed by Orval Hixon in a period of America's history when cultural appropriation was not a concern, this portrait of Ruth St. Denis in costume certainly presents opportunities for deeper conversations around unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of the customs, practices, and ideas of one people or society by members of another. It is apparent to the viewer that while St. Denis styled her hair in a timeless fashion, she also wears a low crown of flowers at the back of her hair reminiscent of a Japanese bridal Kushi Kanzashi set. Additionally, St. Denis wears make-up applied to define her eyebrows, lips, and eyes, and remind the viewer of a Geisha girl. She wears a short unadorned silk jacket with frog closures under a longer long-sleeved silk jacket. Her left hand secures the right flap of the jacket close to her body. To further her look, she holds a dark diminutive umbrella in her right hand.
Portrait of Ruth St. Denis in Costume
Inventory
Collection Number
17668
Building
Current Location
Storage Room 303
Floor
Lower Level/Vault
Description
Details
The image seen here is a sepia toned photograph of post-silent era screen star, Ruth St. Denis.
Artist
Framed
Yes
 - Glass
Width
1 inch
Height
31 inches
Length
25 inches
Donor
Donor Name
James R. and Joyce A. Finely and Charles David and Linda Hixon
Library Owns
Yes
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