Reginald Marsh | PIP AND FLIP

Pip and Flip
Tempera on paper, mounted to canvas
1932
48.25" x 48.25"

Pip and Flip were twins who were often advertised as coming from the Yucatan of Mexico (although sometimes also from Australia). They were actually born in New York and the sisters 'real' names were Elvira and Jenny Lee Snow. They suffered from the birth defect of microcephaly which contributed to their "pinhead" physicality. They often worked in Coney Island side shows during the 1930's. They appeared in the 1933 MGM movie Freaks, directed by Tod Browning. (For images related to this movie, visit sideshowworld.com and IMDB.)

This painting is in the Terra Museum of American Art in Chicago. A color 5" x 5" notecard reproduction of the painting can be purchased from the museum for $1.50. Their telephone number is 312-664-3939. Ask for the museum store.

The Terra Museum of American Art web site is here.