Barbara La Marr, known for her allure and dramatic presence during the silent film era, is captured in an elegant, profile pose (by Woodbury Studio 1922). Her expression is calm, thoughtful, and regal—eyes looking forward, lips softly closed and painted in a deep red.
The most visually stunning aspect of the portrait is her extravagant headpiece. It is crafted in the shape of a swan, its long, elegant neck arching forward gracefully with its beak resting gently near Barbara’s forehead. The swan's head is intricately adorned with pearls, rhinestones and glittering beads. The headpiece extends over her head and cascades down the side with a dramatic netted fringe of pearls and delicate beadwork. The craftsmanship is lavish, giving the impression of opulence and sophistication.
A large peacock feather fan rises from behind the headpiece, adding verticality and further grandeur. The colors in the feather are subtly muted yet lend a natural, exotic texture to contrast the glistening pearls. The style evokes Art Deco elegance with hints of Orientalism and fantasy, which were common themes in 1920s Hollywood glamour photography.
Color enhanced image by Hollywood Pinups from the b&w vintage original.
