Photographer Rufus Porter Moody, perhaps best-known simply as R. P. Moody, was born in Kentucky in 1873. For some time, he ran a photography studio in Nashville, TN, but in 1913, found his way to New York where he opened a studio on 42nd Street to cater to the theatrical crowd. There, he took some of my personal favorite Mary Pickford portraits which were well-used around 1916 in magazines, on ads, on postcards, and beyond. Undoubtedly, Moody is best know for his amazing use of light and shadow which often times created an ethereal atmosphere well suited for Pickford. In 1916, the studio was moved to Broadway, but by then, his business was already in decline. He died in 1922.
Mary Pickford in a fantastic portrait by Rufus P. Moody. Stamped in gold ink "Mary Pickford, appearing exclusively in productions of the Famous Players Film Co., Adolph Zukor, Pres." Stamped Moody on verso 1915. Gifted from the Pamela Short Collection.
Mary Pickford in an exceptional portrait by Rufus P. Moody. Stamped signature. 1915. My personal favorite Moody portrait in the collection. Gifted from the Pamela Short Collection.
Mary Pickford in Rufus P. Moody photo. Stamped in silver ink "Mary Pickford, appearing exclusively in productions of the Famous Players Film Co., Adolph Zukor, Pres." 1915. Part of NZ Photo Album.
Mary Pickford in Rufus P. Moody 8x10 photo. 1915. Part of NZ Photo Album.
Mary Pickford Rufus P. Moody 8x10 photo. I suspect this photo is most recognizable from the cover of the April 1915 issue of The Ladies' World magazine which is also part of this collection. 1915. Part of NZ Photo Album.
Mary Pickford Rufus P. Moody 8x10 photo. I suspect this photo is most recognizable from the cover of the April 1915 issue of The Ladies' World magazine which is also part of this collection. 1915. Part of NZ Photo Album.
Mary Pickford and a cat in a portrait by Rufus P. Moody. 1915. Part of NZ Photo Album.
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