Diane Arbus
Albino sword swallower at a carnival, Md.

Image non disponible pour Albino sword swallower at a carnival, Md.

© Estate of Diane Arbus

Albino sword swallower at a carnival, Md.
Image non disponible pour Albino sword swallower at a carnival, Md.
ArtistAmerican, 1923–1971
PrinterAmerican, born England, 1947
CultureAmerican
Titles
  • Albino sword swallower at a carnival, Md.
Date1970, printed later
Place depictedMaryland, United States
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 15 1/4 × 14 7/8 in. (38.7 × 37.8 cm)
Sheet: 19 7/8 × 16 in. (50.5 × 40.6 cm)
Credit LineThe Gay Block Collection, gift of Gay Block in honor of Anne Wilkes Tucker on the occasion of her retirement
Object number2015.213
Non exposé

Explore Further

Department
Photography
Object Type
DescriptionThroughout the 1950s and 1960s, Diane Arbus made portraits of people living in and around New York City, developing a recognizably blunt style in which she closely scrutinized her subjects while maintaining a personal distance. Among her best-known photographs are portraits of circus sideshow performers, such as this sword swallower, whom she presented with her arms outstretched in a triumphant pose that reveals her eccentric beauty, despite of her life on the fringes of society.
ProvenanceNeil Selkirk, New York, NY, 1972; Jo C. Tartt Gallery, Washington, D.C., date unknown; Gay Block, Santa Fe, NM, 1987; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX, 2015.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
verso top right in ink: Doon Arbus
verso top left a stamp: Not to be reproduced in any way without / written permission from Doon Arbus.
verso top right a stamp with additions in ink: A Diane Arbus photograph 34/75 / title ALBINO SWORD SWALLOWER / AT A CARNIVAL, MD 1970 / print by NEIL SELKIRK / Doon Arbus

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.

Diane Arbus
1970, printed later
Gelatin silver print
2015.464
Diane Arbus
1970, printed later
Gelatin silver print
2012.497
Diane Arbus
1963, printed later
Gelatin silver print
2006.1140
Diane Arbus
1963, printed later
Gelatin silver print
2011.981
Diane Arbus
1963–1971, printed later
Gelatin silver print
2009.1648
Diane Arbus
1967, printed later
Gelatin silver print
2005.1869