Heading: (African American)
Author:
Title: Original silver print photograph of actor Billy Van in black-face, a performer in Wm. H. West's Big Minstrel Jubilee
Place Published:
Publisher:
Date Published: c.1898
Description:

Original silver print signed in lower right corner in the negative, Sussman MPLS. 20.5x15 cm (8x6"). Photograph shows Billy Van dressed in black-face, wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie, wearing white gloves, and holding his hat, looking wistfully into the distance.

An original silver print of white entertainer Billy Van, who performed in black-face at the turn of the century, in a show called Wm H. West's Big Minstrel Jubilee. Billy Van was dubbed the "The Monologue Comedian." Other actors in the show included Ed Howard, George B. Mack, Tom Lewis, and Carroll Johnson. William H. West was known as the "Progressive Minstrel," because he was one of the first white minstrel directors to feature African American performers.

Crease at upper left corner, tiny chip at left edge; some writing on verso and vintage tape at edges of verso; very good.