Barbara Van Beck, The Hairy Woman: Barbara Urselin

Paper. Very good.. G. Scott. 11 3/4 x 10 (30 x 25.5 cm), heavy paper with "Barbara Van Beck, The Hairy Woman" at top and three images of a bearded lady pasted on, some creasing to each image. Each of the images has a border around it.

Image # 1: 5 x 3 1/2 inches (12.5 x 7.5 cm), stipple engraving by G. Scott, late 18th to early 19th century. Beneath the picture is printed G. This portrait is in the National Portrait Gallery. In pencil is written "van Beck."


Image #2: 5 1/2 x 4 inches (14 x 10 cm), image of a bearded lady playing a harpsichord. Unknown artist, published by William Richardson, line engraving, late 18th to early 19th century. Beneath the picture it says, "Barbara Urselin." This portrait is in the National Portrait Gallery.


Image #3: 4 1/2 x 2 7/8 inches (11.5 x 7 cm), image of a bearded lady with her hand on what appears to be a pipe organ. This engraving is by Richard Gaywood. Underneath this picture is typed "Barbara Urselin."


Barbara Urselin was born in 1629 and was active until 1668. Born in Germany. Urselin had hypertrichosis, which resulted in curly blond hair all over her body. She was exhibited from an early age and married John Michael van Beck who was a showman.