April Fool!
Gotcha! She's a He! American stage & film actor and female impersonator, Julian Eltinge was famous for fooling his audience. He did not merely present a caricature of women, but presented the illusion of actually being a woman. He toured simply as "Eltinge" which left his sex unknown, while his act included singing and dancing in a variety of female roles including The Crinoline Girl. At the conclusion of his performances, he would remove his wig, revealing his true nature to the surprise of his often unknowing fans.
This giclée print is available from our exclusive line of artworks inspired by vintage items, memorabilia and collectibles. The original black and white advertisement was found in an estate sale in the Hollywood Hills. (Can't say whose estate is was…shhhhhhhhhh!) Our very talented artist and graphic designer, Ana Cordova, added in the washy, faded tones of color, not to mention the blush on "her" cheeks and a bit of red to "her" lips. Ana worked on this piece before we knew the history of Julian. While doing so, she said, "It's funny, I don't know what it is…but I feel like putting a beard on this lady."
Well, Julian, so many years later, you are still fooling us! Have fun, everyone, on this most humorous day.
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