Portret van de sopraan Lily Pons c. 1928 - 1940

Curator: This gelatin silver print is a portrait of the soprano Lily Pons, made sometime between 1928 and 1940. It’s interesting how the photograph almost vibrates with a poised stillness. Editor: Yes, there's a delicate radiance, a luminescent quality that seems to capture the very essence of a celebrated performer. Those gentle star ornaments in her hair give a clue to a particular role, perhaps. What kind of impression was she trying to give here? Curator: Lily Pons’ identity as a celebrated soprano is crucial here. These photos circulated in mass culture to further idolize celebrity culture while performing very specific ideas around gender and success for the era. This portrait performs an aspirational narrative aimed toward female audiences. Editor: Indeed. I’m drawn to her expression: confident yet inviting. The handwritten inscription layered across the image adds another layer of intimacy— a personal touch meant to foster a connection between the artist and admirer. It functions as a form of exchange. A souvenir. A blessing. Curator: Exactly! Think about how photography at this time served a pivotal function in constructing personas and creating lasting impressions. Her calculated performance as a singer through mass distributed photos creates a complex conversation about the expectations placed upon women, their agency, and what aspects of themselves they chose to present. Editor: Looking closely, her sparkling dress and expertly styled hair suggest the grandeur of the stage, reflecting both artistry and artifice. Even in monochrome, one senses an abundance of light – metaphorical and actual – that surrounds the figure. I am intrigued by her ability to synthesize everyday presence with the otherworldly demands of the operatic. Curator: It gives us insight into the mechanisms through which figures in the early 20th century attempted to build personal identity as a construct amidst evolving modern paradigms. Editor: It seems Pons took a common image, then layered her own carefully-managed visual language over top of it. We are left considering performance and private personas during her life and how these things resonate now.