Tattooed Lady Artoria Back View by CW Gibbons 1920s Real Photo Postcard
Artoria (Anna Mae Burish) was a celebrated tattooed lady who gained prominence in American sideshows and circuses during the early 20th century, particularly from the 1910s through the 1940s. Her elaborate full-body tattoos, often featuring iconic religious and classical imagery, made her a major attraction. G.W. Gibbons, identified here as her tattoo artist, was a notable Los Angeles-based practitioner, reflecting the growing professionalization of tattooing and its presence on the West Coast.
The "Last Supper" tattoo prominently displayed on Artoria's back exemplifies the intricate and ambitious designs sought by professional tattooed performers of the era. Such complex artistry elevated tattooing beyond simple marks, establishing it as a significant form of body art. Performers like Artoria played a crucial role in the entertainment industry, contributing to the cultural landscape of unique attractions and showcasing human modification as a spectacle.
The "Last Supper" tattoo prominently displayed on Artoria's back exemplifies the intricate and ambitious designs sought by professional tattooed performers of the era. Such complex artistry elevated tattooing beyond simple marks, establishing it as a significant form of body art. Performers like Artoria played a crucial role in the entertainment industry, contributing to the cultural landscape of unique attractions and showcasing human modification as a spectacle.
