Object Details
Artist
Dennis Burlingame, born Oneida, NY 1901-died New York City 1964
Luce Center Label
Dennis Burlingame created many paintings based on his experiences in the circus. This image shows a snake charmer in the middle of her act, with a box full of snakes by her side. The generous curves of the woman’s figure and the curly pattern in the wallpaper echo the loops in the snake’s body as it winds around her shoulders. The shabby scenery and muted colors suggest the performer and her act might be past their best, and evoke the tawdry, marginal existence of circus folk.
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Bequest of Olin Dows
Date
1935
Object number
1983.90.214
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Painting
Medium
oil on fiberboard
Dimensions
21 7/8 x 11 in. (55.5 x 28.0 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Painting and Sculpture
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 38B
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Topic
Figure female\full length
Animal\reptile\snake
Performing arts\circus\animal tamer
State of being\other\obese
Object\furniture\chest
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1983.90.214