Smithsonian Museum

National Portrait Gallery

Description

Born Portsmouth, Virginia

With a voice said to rival that of Italian diva Adelina Patti, soprano Sissieretta Jones became an international star whose repertoire ranged from grand opera arias to popular ballads. A classically trained singer, Jones made her New York City debut at Steinway Hall in April 1888. After an admiring critic dubbed her "the Black Patti," she was promoted as such for the remainder of her career. Touring extensively from 1888 until 1896, Jones delighted audiences at home and abroad with solo recitals as well as performances with a variety of musical ensembles. Although her venues included opera houses and concert halls, racial barriers prevented Jones from performing fully realized operatic roles. In 1896, she took her career in a new direction by forming Black Patti's Troubadours, a touring troupe of African American entertainers whose vaudevillian offerings were paired with "operatic kaleidoscopes" showcasing Jones's extraordinary vocal gifts.

Artist

Napoleon Sarony, 9 Mar 1821 - 9 Nov 1896

Sitter

Sissieretta Jones, 5 Jan 1868 - 24 Jun 1933

Date

c. 1895

Credit Line

National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution

Medium

Albumen silver print

Dimensions

Image/Sheet: 14 x 9.7 cm (5 1/2 x 3 13/16")

Mount: 16.6 x 10.9 cm (6 9/16 x 4 5/16")

Mat: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14")

Type

Photograph