Ethel Merman in "Girl Crazy"

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Artist Edward Steichen (American, born Luxembourg, 1879–1973)American, born Luxembourg, 1879–1973

CultureAmerican

Titles

Ethel Merman in "Girl Crazy"

Datec. 1931

PlaceNew York, New York, United States

MediumGelatin silver print

DimensionsImage: 9 9/16 × 7 5/8 in. (24.3 × 19.4 cm)
Sheet: 9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.3 × 20.2 cm)

Credit LineBequest of the artist by direction of Joanna T. Steichen and George Eastman House

Object number82.107

Current Location

The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building

Gallery 208

On view

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Department

Photography

Object Type

PHOTOGRAPHS

DescriptionDuring the 1920s and 1930s, Edward Steichen headed photography for Condé Nast publications, including "Vogue" and "Vanity Fair." Steichen shot this portrait of Ethel Merman for an issue of "Vanity Fair" as part of coverage of the musical "Girl Crazy," composed by George Gershwin. "Girl Crazy" was Merman’s debut role in a Broadway production, in which she portrayed a New York showgirl hired to perform at an Arizona dude ranch. Following the success of "Girl Crazy," Merman went on to star in numerous other Broadway musicals, as well as a handful of iconic film roles.
ProvenanceThe artist; bequeathed to MFAH by direction of Joanna T. Steichen and George Eastman House, 1982.
Exhibition History"American Made: 250 Years of American Art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston," The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 7 July 2012 - 2 January 2013.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks

recto top image in white ink " ETHEL MERMAN IN ' GIRL CRAZY ' © VANITY FAIR 990.23 "

Cataloguing data may change with further research.

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