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Grandma Philomene

Mike Disfarmer

Artwork Details

Grandma Philomene
circa 1935
Mike Disfarmer
gelatin silver print on paper
3 1/8 in x 2 1/4 in (7.94 cm x 5.72 cm)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. James Agah, Class of 1989 (BBA)
2014/2.279

Description

Subject Matter:

Mike Disfarmer, originally named Mike Meyer, owned and operated a portrait studio in rural Heber Springs, Arkansas between 1926 and his death in 1959. Often considered an eccentric man, Disfarmer changed his name after his mother’s death to dissociate himself from his roots. He believed that a tornado had uprooted him as an infant and that he landed with the Meyer family, a name he believed meant “farmer” in German. His photographs were discovered in his studio before it was demolished following his death, and purchased for five dollars. They were later offered to the Arkansas Sun and shared with Modern Photography, which lead to the production of a major book and exhibition in 1976 and 1977. Disfarmer’s images have since gained more attention and praise for documenting and offering rare insight into a small, rural town.

Physical Description:

A portrait of a woman wearing a long-sleeved sweater, neck scarf, and hat. The photograph has a decorative border.

Usage Rights:

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