Permission to use this image must be obtained from the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library: www.sfpl.org/permissions.
Description
Folder: Portraits-Chapman, William B. Permission to use this image must be obtained from the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library: www.sfpl.org/permissions. Note with photo: "William B. Chapman - In 1852, William B. Chapman arrived in California with his sister, Caroline. William Chapman was a master of what is known as 'low' comedy: he could play the clown, he could sing, he could dance, and was a marvelous entertainer. His obituary in the Bulletin of November 9, 1857 thus summed up his career in San Francisco: 'Mr. Chapman was the best low comedian in this state. His humor was natural and overflowing. No audience could resist sympathizing with his mirth. His first step on the boards was the signal for a general smile; and as he opened his mouth, his hearers burst into laughter. He was a most useful man to any management, prepared at the shortest notice to take any part, from the lover of twenty, 'sighing like a furnace,' to the lean and slippered pantaloon.'".
Type
image
Extent
1 photographic print:
Subject
Chapman, William B Portraits--Chapman, William B San Francisco (Calif.)--Photographs
If you're wondering about permissions and what you can do with this item, a good starting point is the "rights information" on this page. See our terms of use for more tips.
Share your story
Has Calisphere helped you advance your research, complete a project, or find something meaningful? We'd love to hear about it; please send us a message.
