"Lola Has Come! Enthusiastic Reception of Lola by an American Audience" - 1852 Print

Rare printed caricature of the notorious European dancer and courtesan Lola Montez by American satirist D. C. Johnston, often called "the American Cruikshank." Issued in his illustrated publication The Old Soldier in 1852. Montez is shown dancing on an American stage before and audience of two: an old Quaker peering between his fingers (his other hand holding the volume "Sober Thoughts") and another man peeking over his Herald. Small loss at upper right margin corner, a few minor stains in margins, overall fine. 27.5 x 22 cm. [Murrell, American Graphic Humor, I, 188, fig. 186]



Born in Ireland of Spanish descent, Lola was a renowned beauty eventually expelled from the English court due to scandal. She toured the Continent, attracting all manner of admirers, including King Ludwig I of Bavaria (she claimed to be his "political advisor"). After her arrival in New York, months of feverish, even slanderous publicity preceded her appearance on Broadway in 1851. Despite the impression this caricature gives, her performance was sold out, to an audience nearly exclusively male. Although her dancing was flawed, her costumes were daring and her manner entrancing. She toured other American cities, as well as the California gold camps, before her death at the age of 43. (5681)

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Unsigned Photo/Portrait

Dance

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