| Red Velvet Swing | |
|---|---|
| |
| "I did it because he ruined my wife! He had it coming to him. He took advantage of the girl and then abandoned her!” – Harry Kendall Thaw | |
|
Origin |
Stanford White and Evelyn Nesbit |
|
Type |
Swing |
|
Effects |
Lecherous and Hypnotic Beauty |
|
Downsides |
Psychotic Infatuation with Subject |
|
Activation |
Swinging on while another person is present |
|
Collected by |
Warehouse 13 |
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
6790454-7980 |
|
Shelf |
3480444-2194-767 |
|
Date of Collection |
March 25, 1918 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Evelyn Nesbit (December 25, 1884 or 1885 – January 17, 1967) was an American artists' model, chorus girl, and actress both glamorous and scandalous in the headlines.
After the death of her father around 10, the family was left destitute. A female artist noticed her stunning teenage gentleness and paid $1 to paint a portrait pose. Nesbit began her modeling career as muse to many Philadelphia and New York painters. Her likeness plastered the halls of art patrons and the backs of postcards alike. The roots of early fashion photography and pin-up art can be traced back to her repertoire. When she tired of striking solitary poses for hours on end, she transitioned to musical theater in the chorus.
Nesbit maintained several relationships over her career, flitting to a new beau when passion between the select two dwindled. Polo player James Montgomery Waterbury, magazine publisher Robert J. Collier and actor John Barrymore were all temporary lovers. Son of a railroad magnate Harry Kendall Thaw looked to be the most promising suitor, even in light of his chaotic tendencies. Thaw nurtured her after a health scare, but also exhibited uncontrollable bouts of abuse and speedball. He wanted to marry, but Nesbit turned him down because she was no longer a virgin.
Before any other suitor, Nesbit met the architect Stanford White. He met her at a Broadway performance and tended to her family needs with an apartment and payment. A visit to his abode featured one room with a red velvet swing, attached to the ceiling and tangled with ivy for her to traipse along. Another visit saw the two conclude dinner with a trip into the adjacent “mirror room”. She reported waking up later that night, both naked, with the presence of blood on the sofa.
During a castle stay in Austria, Thaw exploded. Thaw already had disgust for White, believing he was intentionally preventing his movement in upper society. He promised the difficulty of White would be handled personally on their return trip. Nesbit consented to marriage for financial safety and worked to temper his opiate induced madness. Thaw tried exposing White to the tabloids, and began carrying a gun for protection. On a chance meeting, Thaw encountered White. He trailed the architect to a rooftop soiree on Madison Square Garden and shot thrice into his head.
The Garden Murder quickly turned into the Trial of the Century. The defense of Thaw claimed the “brainstorm” common in their family had caused him to attack without thought. Nesbit was arranged by the family to testify Thaw was a savior only, avoid all the unfavorable parts if she wanted a stipend. Which led to Nesbit’s confession in court and to the papers about the night White raped her. Two separate trials later found Thaw not guilty due to temporary insanity. After the prosecution, Nesbit received inconsistent payments and divorced Thaw. She later did a variety of entertainment jobs and developed addictions to calm herself.
Effects[]
Turns the swinger into a gorgeous bombshell for many who view them. Even with minimal styling, they just appear naturally lit up at the perfect angles. It possibly doesn’t change the physical proportions of the user but makes them appear more sensual in others’ minds. All become quickly self-aware of their newly coveted appearance and will often leverage favors to their advantage.
Effects appear to become hypnotic with time, lulling more hotshots groveling to their feet. It also transforms into a more parasitic relation with their hubbies. Many feel they can’t continue without the presence or safety of their beloved. Entrapment, abuse and psychological torment happen to ensure their “lover” remains with them. Forever. Any attempts to break away to reform their life or interference from outside parties leads to violent encounters.
Appearances[]
Mentioned in passing of the tie-in novel ‘’A Touch of Fever’’.