Lisa's Arms

After receiving a formal education in photography and briefly attempting a career in acting, Mortimer Offner became a portraitist of Broadway actors in New York City. The intentional placement of the hands and arms in this image reflects his fascination with stage production and performance. Although the rest of the figure’s body is cropped out of the frame, Offner still composed a compelling and dramatic scene. He excelled at taking portraits and was a preferred photographer in both the New York City and Hollywood celebrity circles.