An extraordinary surviving piece of New Orleans Carnival history, this monumental hand-painted theatrical backdrop depicts the Nome King from L. Frank Baum’s celebrated Oz stories.
Created for the Krewe of Athenians’ 1941 Oz-themed Mardi Gras tableau, the composition centers the green-bearded Nome King wearing a black costume and jeweled golden collar. He is surrounded by climbing roses, fanciful pink clouds, and a vivid orange sky. Bold outlines, expressive brushwork, and saturated color give the work the presence of both historic theatrical scenery and large-scale American folk art.
This approximately 12-foot by 13.3-foot section was cut from a substantially larger tableau backdrop and preserves the principal character at architectural scale. It would make an exceptional statement installation in a grand residence, hotel, restaurant, event venue, theater, museum-style collection, or New Orleans interior.
The backdrop retains its upper wooden hanging rod and may be suspended as a monumental textile, professionally mounted, or conserved and framed according to the needs of the installation.
Dimensions: Approximately 12 feet high × 13.3 feet wide, or approximately 12' × 13'4".
Condition: Good antique condition with remarkably strong surviving color. Pronounced fold creases, wrinkling, age-related staining, surface abrasions, scattered paint loss, small tears, and fraying or irregularities along the cut edges are present. These characteristics are consistent with its original use as temporary Carnival stage scenery and its subsequent storage. Please review all photographs carefully.
From the DOP Antiques collection of historic New Orleans Mardi Gras tableau scenery.
