Minnie in Illinois
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What it is:
Cabinet card measuring 4.25 x 6.5 inches.
What I know about it:
Written on the back is “1890 / Minnie M Gerigg / Illinois”. Or maybe it’s Grigg instead of Gerigg. Click here to see for yourself.
Comments:
This is the second one I bought at the bookstore this weekend. It’s a bit damaged, but I was fascinated by this image. I think we, today, have become so accustomed to seeing women demurely tuck their legs under themselves when in seated poses, that this woman’s posture looks ungainly. But she’s hardly the only woman I have from those days posing with feet forward and legs apart. Perhaps it was less of an issue when hemlines reached the floor? Perhaps it’s a deliberate pose to help display the volume of the skirt? Perhaps she truly needs that pose to remain balanced? I’m curious about what’s in her right hand. I would have assumed it was a parasol, rather than an umbrella, since her outfit suggests a sunny day. But I’m not used to seeing parasols that are black (or at least dark). Is it just a modern movie convention that parasols are supposed to be frilly and white? I’m intrigued by the fact that she has both a bow in her hair and a hat. Would the hat be worn over the bow, or is it just a prop for the photo? Also, I know it was the convention in those day to not smile in photos, but her expression really looks like she’s had more than enough of this posing business, poor thing.
