Carte de visite, with photographer's mark on the verso "Alexander & Stevens Photographers, Morristown, N.J." The gentleman, who collects old cabinet cards more for their furniture than their subjects, told the lady a little something about the chair. A transitional piece, he said, certainly factory made. Definitely American, probably 1860s. The splat: Renaissance Revival style. The seat: upholstered in a printed chintz or cretonne, with a woven gimp trim. And the lady, whose interest lies more with the subject, is pretty sure that is a blue gingham outfit and straw hat (hello spring!). {click to view larger}Cheers. And good weekend...!
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4 comments:
I can't help but thinking, "poor guy," though one of my friends said to me when I found out I was having my third boy, "You can always just put dresses on him at home if you want to; no one will know." Maybe she was right. It's an awfully good hat, though I'm having trouble taking my eyes off the floor.
I read somewhere that around 1900 pink was regarded as a more suitable colour for little boys than blue, because it was thought to be stronger and more vigorous, whereas blue was thought to be more virginal and demure. The past is truly a foreign country!
Fascinating to read those geeky details about the chair. You can just picture the photographer's studio, where the props obviously had to be decent but couldn't be too expensive, hence a mass-produced chair but with nice upholstery.
The dress is typical of the era, but I find the belt very unusual! Enjoyed the gentleman's contribution!
Mrs. Blandings ~ truth be told, it was the floor covering that first caught my eye!
Emile ~ indeed. Funny how the trends reverse!
mom ~ there is a great book, "Dressed for the Photographer: Ordinary Americans and Fashion, 1840-1900," which gives some good information on the styles.
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