1890s Cabinet Card Photograph Two Boys Sailor Suit Studio Portrait Putnam CT

Description

View 1890s Cabinet Card Photograph Two Boys Sailor Suit Studio Portrait Putnam CT with current marketplace pricing, condition, product images and item details. This cabinet card portrait, dating to the 1890s, depicts two young boys in a photographic studio setting. The older boy wears a dark sailor suit, a popular style for boys during this period. The suit features a lighter colored, possibly white, dickey or undershirt at the neckline and a chain or fob pinned to the front. This cabinet card portrait, dating to the 1890s, depicts two young boys in a photographic studio setting. The photograph, produced by the McIntyre studio of Putnam, Windham County, Connecticut, offers a glimpse into childhood attire and photographic conventions of the late Victorian era. The older boy wears a dark sailor suit, a popular style for boys during this period. The suit features a lighter colored, possibly white, dickey or undershirt at the neckline and a chain or fob pinned to the front. The younger boy is dressed in a dark, buttoned jacket and matching shorts, indicative of a more formal style of dress for children at the time. Both boys maintain serious expressions, characteristic of portrait photography in this era, reflecting both the lengthy exposure times and the prevailing cultural norms surrounding formality in portraiture. The studio setting features a painted backdrop depicting stylized foliage and what appears to be a classical urn or pedestal, common props intended to evoke an air of elegance and sophistication. A smaller, physical pedestal supports the younger boy’s left arm, further demonstrating the constructed nature of these studio portraits. A crumpled piece of white cloth lies at the base of the ornate pedestal, possibly a carelessly placed prop or an accidental inclusion in the scene. The backdrop’s artificiality contrasts sharply with the naturalistic poses and expressions of the children, highlighting the staged nature of studio photography. The photograph showcases the studio's attempt to create a visually appealing image using readily available props and backdrops, providing insights into the material culture of photographic studios during this period. The photographer’s mark, "McIntyre," is inscribed in cursive script in the lower left corner of the card. "N Putnam Conn," printed in a simpler typeface in the lower right corner, identifies the studio's location in North Putnam, Windham County, Connecticut. This information is crucial for placing the photograph geographically and historically. The cabinet card format, a popular photographic medium during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, further situates the image within its historical context. The card itself exhibits a pinkish discoloration, a common sign of age in albumen prints often used for cabinet cards. The verso of the card (Image 2) reveals additional age-related marks and wear, underscoring the photograph's antique status. The photograph offers valuable insights into late Victorian childhood, dress customs, and the burgeoning practice of studio photography. The boys’ attire reflects prevailing fashion trends of the time, demonstrating how clothing styles for children mirrored adult fashions in their adaptation of elements like the sailor suit and formal jacket. The use of studio props and backdrops reveals the artificial constructions prevalent in portrait photography of the era, aimed at creating an idealized representation of the subjects. This image serves as a valuable primary source document for researchers studying late 19th-century American visual culture, family history, and the history of photography. The cabinet card format itself, with its standardized size and conventions, exemplifies the increasing accessibility and popularity of photography during this period. Further research into the McIntyre studio and Putnam’s local history could enrich the contextual understanding of this photograph and its subjects. Condition: Used. Category: Collectibles › Photographic Images › Photographs.

Format

Cabinet Card

Subject

Boys

Image Color

Black & White

Time Period Manufactured

1850-1899

Material

Paper

Country of Origin

United States