This is an original antique mounted studio photograph by Scherer Photo Studios of New York and Brooklyn, showing an unidentified female dancer or theatrical performer in a dramatic early 20th-century pose. The sitter wears a light-colored pleated dance costume with lace trim, dance shoes, and a floral or berry headpiece, while posing with one leg extended onto an ornate studio pedestal. The result is a wonderful theatrical image with strong appeal for collectors of dance, ballet, or vaudeville. The photograph has a strong show-business quality. This does not appear to be a simple family portrait; the costume, raised-leg pose, studio prop, and expressive presentation suggest a dancer, vaudeville performer, theatrical student, or stage entertainer posing for a professional studio image. The loose, flowing white costume also gives the image a Grecian or aesthetic-dance feeling, consistent with early 1900s theatrical and dance portrait styles. This photograph dates to circa 1905-1912, which fits the Scherer studio period of operation. The studio was operated by Stephen J. Scherer Jr. (1857-1923) as an American photographer. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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