Joseph Lindon Smith (Pawtucket, Rhode Island, 1863 - 1950, Dublin, New Hampshire)
Majordomo Uniform Design for Teobaldo "Bolgi" Travi, 1901-1903
Graphite, ink, and watercolor on paper, 22.5 x 13 cm (8 7/8 x 5 1/8 in.)
This uniform design is done in graphite, ink and watercolor on paper and is a full-length depiction of a standing male figure looking to our right. He has medium skin and fuzzy sideburns. His two-cornered hat is black, gold and white and curves outward with gold tassels hanging on each side. He wears a fancy green and yellow waistcoat that has scroll-like decorations on each cuff and down each front panel with epaulets at the shoulders. He holds his arms at his sides and clasps a gold-topped black cane in his hand to our left. He wears white gloves, a white collared shirt, a yellow trimmed vest, white knee breeches, white hose and black shoes with silver buckles.
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Commentary
Joseph Lindon Smith was an artist and close friend of Gardner’s. His fanciful design for her museum’s majordomo reflects their shared love of theatre and costuming.