"Sapho Leaving the Ball"
This is a tapestry, approx 2.5' x 4.5' and is the same picture you will find if you google, "Sapho Leaving the Ball" by OLGA NETHENOLE. This was a contraversial play that premiered in Chicago in 1899, then in NY in 1900. The painting is by R. A. Fisher. It may have been a theater marquee. Several arrests were made
My mother-in law saved this painting from an attic in Staten Island back in the 60's when her sister-in law purchased this old house. They were going to use it as a tarp to paint the house until my mother-in law turned it over and saw the painting. She had it restored and mounted in a beautiful frame.
Inherited
Yes
Thank you for submitting your item for appraisal. This appears to be a decorative Belle Epoche painting closely resembling both the Theater advertising poster and the photograph of Olga Isabella Nethersole (1867-1951) in her role as "Sapho" in Clyde Fitch´s play "Sapho". The unknown artist "S.A. Fisher" must have known both and painted a version different from the one used in the advertising posters, with the legs showing. The artist is not known but knew how to paint effectively, possibly the theater´s scenery painter.
The estimate is based on similar and takes into account the faded fame of the portrayed.
