Maud Stevens Wagner: The Mona Lisa of American Tattoo

Buy Maud Stevens Wagner: The Mona Lisa of American Tattoo

Get to know Maud Stevens Wagner - the "Mona Lisa of American Tattoo". Maud was a true border crosser: as an acrobat, aerial artist, carnival performer and bartender, she broke with social expectations early on and lived an independent, self-determined life. She was one of the first women in the USA to make a name for herself as a tattoo artist - at a time when tattoos were anything but a matter of course for women.

Together with her husband Gus, who was considered the "most artistically tattooed man in America", Maud toured the country. As "Wagner's Traveling Museum", they showed themselves and their tattoos at fairs, circuses, dime museums and pop-up stores. Later, they founded the Wagner Amusement Company and became true pioneers of the American show and tattoo scene.

This book is the second volume of the trilogy "Last of the Hand Tattoo Artists" and sheds light on Maud's extraordinary life - with many original photos, newspaper articles, excerpts from Gus' scrapbooks, flashes from Gus' notebooks and memories of their daughter Lotteva Wagner Davis.

Highlights:

• Authentic insights into Maud's life and career
• Numerous archive photos of Maud, Gus and their tattoos
• Original flashes and newspaper clippings from the Wagner family history
• Oral history directly from daughter Lotteva

As the author says, "In some ways, Gus and Maud defied all expectations - while celebrating the pioneering spirit that is America."

Details:

• Format: 28 x 21.5 cm (hardcover)
• Pages: 128
• Over 120 color & black & white photos and illustrations

An inspiring book for tattoo enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone who celebrates strong female figures!