The Armless Phenomenon
SOLD September 2014 |
Cabinet-card format albumen print showing Charles B. Tripp, known as "The Armless Phenomenon," circa 1884. With photographer's imprint front for "Morris / 16 Sixth Street Pittsburgh". With a hand-, or rather foot-written dedication by Tripp on reverse in brown ink reading "[to] Mary Le Vogue / Fall River Mass. / [from] Chas B Tripp, Woodstock Ontario, Age 29 y's."
An exceptional image showing Tripp early in his career. His feet hold a knife and fork, and manipulation of all the dinnerware laid out on the table before him (teacup, teapot, creamer, etc.) were doubtless part of Tripp's act.
Arrayed on the floor below are a cornucopia of Tripp creations. A pair of scissors rest next to elaborate paper cutouts in various designs. There is a brush and the comb doubtless responsible for Tripp's finely combed hair, also the pens used in his calligraphy and a small card inscribed with the year "1884." A beautifully hand-painted box of Tripp's manufacture includes the inscription "Chas. B. Tripp / Armless Phenomenon." At right rests a cabinet card photograph possibly showing Tripp. Since Tripp's accomplishments were supposed to include photography photography, this cabinet card may also be his personal creation. Raising our gaze we notice an elaborately embroidered tablecloth bearing a large "T" in its center, doubtless another example of Tripp's many talents.
On the back of card Tripp has left an fine example of his penmanship, dedicated to a Mary Le Vogue, evidently written while on tour in Fall River, Massachusetts. The fact that the inscription is dedicated to a particular individual indicates that this note was (foot) written by Tripp personally during his show, rather than being simply pre-fabricated and sold to visitors.
A Canadian by birth -- as indicated in his inscription on reverse of card -- Tripp was early hired by P. T. Barnum and worked with Barnum's traveling circus during this period.
CONDITION: Image in excellent condition; cardstock also good, with minor speckles and aging.
