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1907. "Maud Wagner, circus performer and tattooist." Maud Stevens Wagner (1877-1961), thought to be America's first female tattoo artist. Plaza Gallery, Los Angeles. View full size.
This one is begging to be colorized!
Here's a still from the Marx Brothers movie.
And here's the whole song from the movie.
We are just more exposed and more used to that kind of, ahm, self-improvement and body art.
At least a strong argument for neck-to-knee apparel. Or neck-to-ankle for the 1900's. But therefore the shock was also mostly moot. People had to pay to enjoy the view. Or could choose not no. I very much like the idea of having a choice concerning watching. Just as the tattooed have a choice to get stung or not.
Clothing is way underrated invention.
Well, the right eyebrow anyway.
Now you get this carnival attraction on every street and store aisle.
Was Maude the first female tattoo artist or canvas? Turns out a little of both.
https://www.tattoolife.com/meet-maud-wagner/
Maude was introduced to tattoo by Gus Wagner, a sailor who learned the art in Borneo. They married and had a daughter whom Maude forbade to get tattooed, though she became a renowned artist.
Lydia, oh! Lydia, say have you met Lydia
Oh! Lydia, the tattooed lady
She has eyes that folks adore so
And a torso even moreso ...
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