Portrait of Vivian Duncan

Portrait of Vivian Duncan
Inventory
Collection Number: 
17543
Building: 
Current Location: 
Storage Room 303
Floor: 
Lower Level/Vault
Object Description
Artist: 
Artist Dates: 
1884 -1982
Artist Nationality: 
American
Object Type: 
Details: 
A sepia toned photographic print of radio, theater and silent film star, Vivian Duncan.
Framed: 
Yes
 - Glass
Length: 
25 inches
Width: 
1 inch
Height: 
31 inches
Description: 

Vivian Duncan was an American actress and motion picture figure of the 1920s. She performed with her sisters Rosetta and Evelyn as the Duncan Sisters. Later Rosetta and Vivian would find greater success as a vaudevillian duo with the stage act Topsy and Eva. Rosetta played the role of Topsy. In a contemporary context, this character is viewed as an insensitive role as the persona was portrayed in blackface. Her older sister Vivian played the more subdued and innocent Eva. Rosetta accentuated her role with enthusiasm and skill, whereas Vivian would employ a comedic innocence, appearing bashful yet aggressively coy. The silent film, "Topsy and Eva," was released in 1927. This photograph captures Vivian in her youth. She stands tall on the tips of her toes and appears slightly frightened as she stares downward and to her left at a black cat with arched back. Duncan is dressed in a short lace trimmed dress and matching pantaloons.

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