Lot 329
Lot 329
(PERFORMANCE)
Archive depicting the career of "Danzarina Exotica" Kyra (a.k.a. Belle Lopatin of Chicago).
With 1000 photographs of Kyra in a host of remarkable close-ups and outfits befitting her flamboyant theatrical roles and career as an artist's model. Silver prints, the images measuring 3x2 to 14x11 inches (7.6x5.1 to 35.6x27.9 cm.), most 7x5 inches (17.8x12.7 cm.), including a small print by Dr. Max Thorek and larger prints by the Chicago Pictorialist Charles J. Cook (one of which is signed on the mount), and commercial photographers with signatures, hand stamps, or embossed hand stamps; with ephemeral items. Late 1930s-early 40s
[1,200/1,800]
A comprehensive archive that traces how Belle Lopatin, a Midwestern honors student, reinvented herself as Kyra, a popular exotic dancer who traveled throughout Europe and Central and South America and managed her own career thoughout. Kyra, a compelling beauty with a chameleon-like figure, was also a talented performer for the camera. She is depicted in a range of colorful costumes and poses, including that of burlesque queen and flamenco dancer. She's also shown with her son and other family members.
