Pre 1897 thumbnails

HICKMAN, MISS
Neg. No: GP (L) 1797B
Neg. Size: 15"x12"
Neg. Date:02-08-1898

copyright V&A

Sitter: Miss Hickman ( ).

copyright V&A

copyright V&A

Biog: -

Date: 2 August 1898.

Image published in Cool, published by The Fan Museum, Greenwich

The unidentified Miss Hickman is seen here photographed against the Reynolds-esque backdrop which, in images from 1898, was Lafayette’s backdrop of choice for portraits of the great society beauties such as Princess Daisy of Pless and Lillie Langtry.

In this graceful and studied semi-rustic image, the sitter’s waist has been enhanced by the retouching department. The face and hair, however, show almost no traces of retouching. The paradox of the portrait is the necessary stillness of the pose which of itself should imply slight movement.

fan2

fan3

The fan Miss Hickman holds is probably a “prop” as it is by no means one of the particularly fine or innovative fans for which this period is renowned. It is, however, a large fan and the leaf appears to be a double gauze leaf with a border of large painted flowers. The monture is probably bone.

The fans we show here are of the same date and would have been more adapted to the background of the portrait.

 

Occasion: -

Location: The Lafayette Studio, 179 New Bond Street, London, W.

Descr: FL seated.

Costume: -

Costume Designer: -

Costume Supplier: -

Jewellery: -

Furniture & Props: Painted backdrop; studio 'stone' column and garden bench.

Photographer: Lafayette Ltd., 179 New Bond Street, London, W.

Evidence of photographer at work: -

No of poses: 1.

Copyright: V&A

All images on this site are copyright V&A. For further information on using or requesting copies of any images please contact the V&A Picture Library: vaimages@vam.ac.uk including the URL of the relevant page

Provenance: Pinewood Studios; acquired 1989.

References:

Biog: -

Occasion: -

Costume: -

Costume Designer: -

Costume Supplier: -

Jewellery: -

Reproduced: -

Additional Information: -