Tomaso "Human Pincushion"
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Incredibly striking and rare portrait of "Tomaso"-- with a fancy hatpin puncturing his arm, as he holds it out, seemingly examining closely his handiwork. Tomaso is identified by the metal filigreed pin on his custom velvet pincushion, which is covered in pins stuck into its surface. Italian Signor Tomaso was a well-known practitioner of the pointed art, variously performing under the title "Human Dagger," allowing suspender buttons to be sewed to his chest and cheeks. Written on verso in pencil: "Tamassa [sic], Neadle [sic] King, B&B Show, 1899."
