Photograph of George Washington Morrison (Commodore Nutt) in costume. George Washington Morrison Nutt wears a striped costume and a long conical hat. This was likely some kind of stage costume, although which specific character he is playing is unknown. Photographs like this one were often sold as a part of exhibitions, and in the case of performers whose claim to fame was related to their physical appearance or a developmental disability, the staging in photographs helped to emphasize their differences. This was accomplished by consciously manipulating clothing, props, the backdrop, and all other elements of the photograph in order to draw attention to their particular traits. The question of who was responsible for the staging, be it photographer, manager, or performer, varied greatly. George Washington Morrison Nutt (April 1, 1848-May 25, 1881), known as Commodore Nutt, was an entertainer who worked for P.T. Barnum. Nutt was exhibited for his small stature at a young age, and he signed with Barnum at age 13. He became the new star at the American Museum. Nutt was sometimes paired with Charles S. Stratton, the first little person Barnum worked with, and later Nutt joined forces with Stratton, and Stratton's wife Lavinia and Lavinia's sister Minnie for a world tour. He quit the company in 1872, and his own attempts to start a company never quite took off, and his financial resources dwindled. Nutt died of Bright's disease on May 25, 1881 in New York City. Anthony and co.1862. Measures 4 by 2.5 inches.
