Accession Number2012/2.23
TitleJoy Ella Miller, Born Feb. 9, 1954
Artist(s)Mike DisfarmerArtist NationalityAmerican (North American)Object Creation Datecirca 1957Medium & Supportgelatin silver print on paperDimensions 4 1/2 in x 3 in (11.43 cm x 7.62 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. James Agah, Class of 1989 (BBA)Subject matterMike Disfarmer, originally named Mike Meyer, owned and operated a portrait studio in rural Heber Springs, Arkansas between 1926 and his death in 1959. Often considered an eccentric man, Disfarmer changed his name after his mother’s death to dissociate himself from his roots. He believed that a tornado had uprooted him as an infant and that he landed with the Meyer family, a name he believed meant “farmer” in German. His photographs were discovered in his studio before it was demolished following his death, and purchased for five dollars. They were later offered to the
Arkansas Sun and shared with
Modern Photography, which lead to the production of a major book and exhibition in 1976 and 1977. Disfarmer’s images have since gained more attention and praise for documenting and offering rare insight into a small, rural town.
Physical DescriptionA portrait of a young girl sitting on the edge of a table. She wears a checkered jumper and light, long-sleeved blouse with socks and shoes.
Primary Object ClassificationPhotographCollection AreaPhotographyRightsIf you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit
http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.
Keywords
children (people by age group)
girls
jumpers (dresses)
sitting
studio portraits