1913 signed original photo of Otis Skinner as Hajj the Beggar in "Kismet" inscribed by Skinner
(New York): (1913). Mounted on tan backing stock, framed. Frame measures 18.75 x 11.75 inches, photo measures 13 x 6.5 inches, very good condition, some mottling and light discoloration to backing stock, signed in pen by Genthe at bottom right, and inscribed by Skinner in 1913 to the Jastrow family (possibly the prominent Polish-American family that featured an important psychologist and an astronomer). The character of Hajj in Edward Knoblauch's play "Kismet" became Skinner's signature role and the one for which he is most remembered. It opened up at the Knickerbocker Theatre in NYC in late 1911 and ran for 184 performances. In the play, Hajj the beggar escapes the clutches of a vengeful bandit, drowns the evil Wazir of Police, catches the eye of the Wazir's voluptuous wife, serves as Emir of Baghdad, and sees his daughter wed to the handsome Caliph. Beyond the light soil the discoloration to the backing sheet, there is some wear and light damage to the frame with light loss to the laminant at bottom right and left. Skinner was also a successful author, including the book "Footlights and Spotlights" and the father of Cornelia Otis Skinner. Genthe was a fine arts photographer known for his journalistic studies of San Francisco's Chinatown and his many photos of Isadora Duncan. Very good. Item #H33305
Price: $300.00