Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 529

Silver Print, Unidentified Midget Woman in Dance Costume

Estimate: $25 - $50
Starting Bid
$10

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
An unidentified midget woman photographed in full dance costume anchors this real photo postcard, likely produced in the early twentieth century based on the silver gelatin print format and postcard mount. No photographer's imprint appears on the reverse. The notation "1/20/12" on the back may indicate a date of January 20, 1912, placing the image in the early years of the RPPC format's widespread popularity.

The elaborately costumed woman stands in a dynamic pose mid-curtsy, her left hand lifting the wide skirt of her satin dress to one side while her right hand rests on the arm of a studio chair. She wears a sleeveless light-colored gown with a ruched and gathered bodice, dark shoes, and a decorative jeweled crown or tiara set atop dark curled hair. Her expression is animated and broadly smiling, directed squarely at the camera.

The painted studio backdrop features a soft tropical or garden motif with indistinct foliage, a common convention in portrait studios of the period. The full-length framing and theatrical costuming suggest the image was made to commemorate a recital, pageant, or staged performance rather than as a routine portrait sitting.

The reverse bears the penciled notation "1/20/12" and "COLAZ" in a period hand, with no additional inscription or photographer's imprint visible.

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