Portrait of Nance O'Neil with Head Scarf

Portrait of Nance O'Neil with Head Scarf
Inventory
Collection Number: 
17554
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 print of Nance O'Neil.
Framed: 
Yes
 - Glass
Length: 
25 inches
Width: 
1 inches
Height: 
31 inches
Description: 

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 theatre 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". Here she looks away from the camera forlornly, although the shadow created on the side of her face obscures the direction of her gaze. The resulting shadow constitutes nearly as much of the frame as her own figure, seeming as though it might engulf her as it extends from the bottom of the photograph, into her clothing and across the scarf wrapped around her head.

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