Original Photograph of Nora Bayes & Jack Norworth in the "F. Ziegfeld Jr's. Revue Follies of 1908"

Fine Art : Photography

 

Moon, June, Spoon... just look at this quirky, romantic photograph from the Ziegfeld Follies of 1908. This was only the second year of what was to become an increasingly elaborate series of revues produced by Florenz Ziegfeld. Featuring bevies of beautiful 'chorus girls' who have come to be known collectively as 'Ziegfeld Girls', the revues included songs and skits as well; they were variety shows really, a bridge between vaudeville and what was to become Broadway musical theater, a quintessentially American art form.

I believe these two sweethearts are Nora Bayes and Jack Norworth, and I think they are probably performing "Shine on Harvest Moon". This song, which they wrote, was introduced in the Ziegfeld revue 'Follies of 1908', and they were married the same year. How romantic!

Condition is good, it is signed in the plate, "F. Ziegfeld Jr's. Revue Follies of 1908", and also bears the signature of The White Photography Studios. The photograph was laid down on board (something like CDV material) long ago, and the board has subsequently been almost entirely trimmed away.There are some very minor losses to the top right corner and edge of the photograph itself. In a raking light it looks as if the photo has been wiped clean, and there is one scratch (not bad, but there) which you can see on his face and her hair, which does not look like it tore the surface of the paper, and really doesn't distract from enjoying this fabulous piece. The image is crisp and sharp, with minor fading and a hint of overall darkening on the right side. Please look at the photos. The photo itself measures 13 3/4" x 17" (quite large), add an additional 1/4" - 1/2" (it's slightly irregular) for the remaining board.

Shot by the White Studio, which was the premier photographer for Broadway and stage productions in NY from 1903-1936. When White studios closed in 1939, it's collection was acquired by the New York Public Library. However, many of their earliest glass plates were donated to the War Department during the First World War, and destroyed, which may very well have been the fate of the plate from which this large photograph was printed. If you're a theater buff or collector of original material from this era, this is a rare opportunity, as this may be the only copy of this photo extant, I've searched the Web and have not found this image anywhere. It is a real treasure.

Item ID: RL-598

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