I am once again intrigued by a beautiful and historically significant image that I was asked to restore. This photo's story is best told by my client who has graciously given me permission to publish.
"Hi Stephen,
I donated it [the original] to the Schomberg Center for Research, etc. of Black Culture in Manhattan.
I bought the original print on ebay from a dealer....not a dealer specifically in black memorabilia.
There was no accompanying info or notation on the back of the card.
The image is obviously a black minstrel troupe and the clothing dates the photo to the 1890's, probably after 1895.
It is almost certainly a touring troupe performing in tent shows, etc. versus theatrical stages....though they could have been on the national theatrical circuit of theaters which presented black entertainers for black audiences. They certainly don't have the fancier clothing & costumes of a highly successful commercial company."
My client continues with remarks about the minstrel show format and the fixed roles of many of the performers, as well as the " transition of 'black' entertainment from whites in blackface to black players playing blacks in much less grotesque costume."
The story behind this picture in not only important to the history of theater but to this country.
"Hi Stephen,
I donated it [the original] to the Schomberg Center for Research, etc. of Black Culture in Manhattan.
I bought the original print on ebay from a dealer....not a dealer specifically in black memorabilia.
There was no accompanying info or notation on the back of the card.
The image is obviously a black minstrel troupe and the clothing dates the photo to the 1890's, probably after 1895.
It is almost certainly a touring troupe performing in tent shows, etc. versus theatrical stages....though they could have been on the national theatrical circuit of theaters which presented black entertainers for black audiences. They certainly don't have the fancier clothing & costumes of a highly successful commercial company."
My client continues with remarks about the minstrel show format and the fixed roles of many of the performers, as well as the " transition of 'black' entertainment from whites in blackface to black players playing blacks in much less grotesque costume."
The story behind this picture in not only important to the history of theater but to this country.
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