Photograph 1
Photograph 1 is a cabinet card portrait of Minnie Dupree (1873-1943). She was an American stage and film actress. She was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin. She made her acting debut in a touring company in 1887. In 1888, she was a sensation in a small role in William Gillette’s New York play. “Held by the Enemy”. This role propelled her into a number of supporting roles with the some of the leading actors of the day. She finally got a starring role in the 1900 production of “Women and Wine”. Many other leading roles followed as well as a number of notable successes. However, critics agreed that her later career was less successful than her early and middle career. Dupree also made a small number of films including “The Young in Heart” (1938). Costars in this film included Janet Gaynor, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Billie Burke, and Paulette Goddard. This cabinet card photograph captures Miss Dupree holding her had and looking dreamily away from the camera. The photograph was taken by celebrity photographer, B. J. Falk. Falk’s address is listed as 949 Broadway, New York City. However, there is a light stamp over the Broadway address indicating that the studio had “removed” to 13 & 15 West 34th Street, New York City. To see other photographs by Falk, click on the category “Photographer: Falk”.
Photograph 2 is a vintage real photo postcard featuring Miss Dupree. The image provides a wonderful close-up view of the actress. She is wearing a fancy dress that is low-cut. Note her pearl necklace. Her hair is styled perfectly, providing a very fresh and clean look. The photographer credited with this fine portrait is celebrity photographer, Jacob Schloss (1856-1938). His studio was located in New York City (Manhattan). He received his education at the Cooper Union in New York City. He graduated in 1872 as an etcher. He joined Benjamin J. Falk’s photography studio and worked there in the mid 1870’s. He left Falk’s employ to open his own studio (54 West 23rd Street) where like Falk, he specialized in theatrical photography. He tended to favor photographing actresses in costume in front of generic studio furnishings. He produced many cabinet card photographs but also was active in the production of magazine images. By the 1890’s he was particularly known for his photographs of beautiful women, much like photographer Jose Maria Mora. Schloss also was an activist for photographers rights. He was very involved in the movement to copyright images. He sued those who used his photographs without crediting or paying him. He was an active participant in national photographer associations and was an worked as a photographer until the 1910’s. The photograph was published by the Rotograph Company as part of the “Rotograph Series” (no.B1844). The postcard has a stamp stating “From Robert S. Simmons”, whom I believe, but can not confirm, was a well known collector of photographs. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 