#otto marcus

[earlymoderndance]

A hand-painted Christmas card from German painter/illustrator Otto Marcus (1863-1952), to Maud Allan (1873-1956).

Sent to Maud from Berlin, and postmarked 12-23-1934, by Otto Marcus – who had earlier painted a prize-winning picture of her, entitled Miss Allan, The Classical Dancer.  Marcus’ daughter, Ruth Sendler, was also a professional dancer/choreographer.

The “Miss Aldridge” was Verna Aldrich, Maud’s long-time secretary/companion. From the address, we can see Maud was still living at West Wing, quarters that had originally been provided for her by Margot Asquith, wife of the Prime Minister.

[thefugitivesaint]

Otto Marcus (1863-1952), 'Der Vampyr',  ''Der Wahre Jacob'', 1894 Source

[thefugitivesaint]

Otto Marcus (1863-1952), 'Spuk' (Spook), ''Der Wahre Jacob'', 1894 Source

[books0977]

The Harem Dancer (1929). Otto Marcus (German, 1863-1952). Oil on canvas.

Marcus, a painter of limited accomplishments, demonstrates in The Harem Dancer the skill of portraying movement in a flat, two-dimensional painting. The position of the dancer’s arms and the various areas of opaqueness in the long white veil suggest a rapid turn.