Couple from Port Henry, New York, featuring a blue tie
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What it is:
Carte de visite (CDV) measuring approx. 2.5 x 4.25 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is A. G. Bacon of Port Henry, New York. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
I am always fascinated by the choices made in tinting old photos. The most effective ones, to my mind, select specific items or areas to enhance with a bit of color, rather than trying to paint the whole thing. Some choose remarkably little while still remaining somewhat realistic. But this one amuses me. I’m a little stumped by the logic behind basically painting only his tie. Their cheeks seem to have a very subtle tint to them, and I believe the ribbon around her neck just under her chin has been touched up. But the tie really stands out. At first I thought maybe other areas were painted with color that had faded with time, but I don’t see evidence of it, except perhaps the little bit of blouse cuff showing at her left wrist, which may have had something done to it in the past. In any case, I think it’s a handsome portrait.
Pics of Then 
Sizzling photography by A.G Bacon.
🙂
I wonder if their kid was just playing with paints one day…
That’s a definite possibility. I have at least a couple that were obviously set upon by artistically ambitious children. This blue is very neatly applied, precisely inside the outlines of the tie, implying a more mature hand, but it’s impossible to say.
Just a wild guess, but maybe it had something to do with indicating that he sided with the Union, or fought in the Union army?
Hmm, I have no idea, but I’m intrigued by the idea that the color is somehow symbolic rather than just decorative.