Photograph of Mrs. James Benkard as Carmen

26 March 1883

Photograph from the 1883 Vanderbilt Fancy Dress Ball album, taken by Jose Maria Mora (Cuban, c. 1847-1926), depicting Mrs. James Benkard dressed as Carmen. A contemporary account from the New York Times described her costume as: "[…] a skirt of yellow satin, with front embroidered in black chenille and gold, and bordered by a flounce of black chantilly lace beaded with an embroidery of gold flowers. The skirt of gold tissue had angel sleeves of the same material with pointed net-work at the top. The jacket of black velvet was embroidered in gold and trimmed with gold coins. A wide scarlet sash was loosely tide [sic] at one side, and she wore a scarlet cap covered with coins."

American

photographic print

Mat window opening: 6.5 x 11 inches (16.5 x 27.9 cm)

Bequest of Harold S. Vanderbilt

PSNCA.H.018.43