From my reading and research, the picture was taken in 1884, in Elmira, not as a joke as is commonly interpreted, but as Lou Budd was the first to point out, in preparation for the bust by Gerhardt. You can look at the picture and the bust to see how the poses match up. Lou Budd’s article is “That Noble Roman Aspect,” and I have a follow-up in American Literary Realism last year. 

John Bird

-----Original Message----- 
From: Arianne 
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2013 2:26 PM 
To: [log in to unmask] 
Subject: Mark Twain Shirtless in 1883 Photo 

A friend sent this article to me.  FYI.  I've read about the picture
somewhere but can't remember what was said!

Arianne Laidlaw


*Mark Twain Shirtless in 1883 Photo*
http://www.openculture.com/2013/02/mark_twain_shirtless_in_1883_photo.html