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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1934

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2017

2025

  • You found it!

Mural Detail, The World of Radio

This is a Mural detail. It was made for Jessica Dragonette. It is dated 1934. Its medium is cotton and its technique is wax resist dyeing (batik) on plain weave.

The banner reads “Scene from the Miracle,” referencing the 1924 production of The Miracle, produced and directed by Max Reinhardt. The show marked the beginning of Dragonette’s singing career. Reinhardt selected Dragonette from over one hundred singers for the only solo singing role of the angel—because she achieved perfect pitch without accompaniment. Dragonette never physically appeared on stage; her voice alone launched her career.

It is credited Gift of Nicholas Meredith Turner in memory of Jessica Dragonette.

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition The World of Radio.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1108721981/ |title=Mural Detail, The World of Radio |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=9 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>