Lulu La Parke, identified by ink inscription on the reverse as born in Russia in 1878, is portrayed with a large constrictor snake draped across her shoulders and outstretched arm in this cabinet card by Chas. Eisenmann, Photographer, 229 Bowery, New York, one of the most documented studios in the history of American sideshow and variety performer photography. The albumen print dates to the 1880s and was produced as a promotional card for a working snake charmer or exotic performer act.

La Parke stands in full length wearing a white short-skirted performance costume with dark tights and low heeled shoes, the snake coiled around her neck and upper body with its tail extending fully across her raised right arm. A decorative headdress sits atop her dark hair, and her expression is composed and direct. A painted backdrop with foliage and a log prop at lower left complete the studio setting.

Charles Eisenmann operated his studio at 229 Bowery from the 1870s through the 1890s and was the preeminent photographer of sideshow, circus, and variety performers in New York during this period, producing thousands of promotional cabinet cards that are now among the most collected examples of the genre. His portraits of snake charmers, strongwomen, and exotic performers are particularly sought after.

The reverse bears the printed imprint of Chas. Eisenmann, Photographer, 229 Bowery, New York, with ink inscriptions reading "Lulu La Parke, Born in Russia, 1878," and penciled notations "250" and "odd250."