wood gilt frame
image: 29 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.
overall: 38 x 30 1/2 in.
minor wear to frame, some cracking to image

Edwin Booth finished his 100th consecutive night in the title role of Hamlet at New York City's Winter Garden Theatre on 20 March 1865, a record that remained in place until 1923, when John Barrymore broke it by one performance. The present portrait was presumably commissioned by Edwin Booth's niece, Blanche de Bar Booth, towards the end of 1865 as a token of celebration. Following Edwin Booth's death in 1893, the portrait returned to Blanche's possession, who eventually donated it to the Minnesota Historical Society.

PROVENANCE:
Blanche de Bar Booth (1844-1930), American actress and niece of Edwin Booth; Minnesota Historical Society; Franklyn Lenthall (1919-2001), American theatrical producer and director; his sale, Richard W. Oliver, Inc., 22-24 June 1990, lot 4