This is an authentic 1920s large-format vintage silver gelatin photograph by the legendary New York theatrical and glamour photographer John de Mirjian. Active during the Roaring Twenties, De Mirjian was famous for his striking, sophisticated portraits of Broadway actresses, Ziegfeld Follies showgirls, and vaudeville stars.
The subject is identified on the reverse side in vintage pencil script as "Miss Cecil Blake," cataloged with the studio negative number 8007. She is captured in a sheer lace robe, dark hosiery, and a massive, intricately embroidered Spanish fringe shawl against a mottled studio backdrop.
This piece is a large-format exhibition-sized print on premium, heavy double-weight paper stock featuring a textured stipple-grain matte finish. It is a genuine 100-year-old theatrical artifact from the height of the Jazz Age.
Markings & Authenticity
- Studio Stamp: Reverse features the original purple ink stamp: "The Courtesy of Credit is requested - Thank you. De Mirjian Studios."
- Archival Script: Reverse features original period handwritten pencil notation: "Miss Cecil Blake 8007."
- Emulsion Details: Natural, age-appropriate metallic silvering (mirroring) is present across the darker silver tones of the hair and lace robe when viewed at an angle, verifying its status as a period silver gelatin print.
Physical Dimensions
Condition Details
- Portrait Area: The central image, facial details, and textures remain sharp, clear, and well-preserved.
- Margins: The outer uncropped borders show natural signs of age and historic handling, including edge silvering, slight corner creasing, and minor surface wear/softness along the white margins.
- Reverse: The back of the print shows light, authentic sepia toning and age patina consistent with a century-old paper stock.
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