Woman and baby in Middletown, New York
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What it is:
Cabinet card measuring 4.25 x 6.5 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is Mills of Middletown, New York. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
I think it’s safe to assume the woman is the baby’s mother. I’m impressed by the warm, gentle expression on her face, when it must be a strain to maintain that pose, while presumably holding tight to the baby to keep it still. But then, there are those who might say that presenting a calm, loving exterior while keeping a firm grip on things is a goal of motherhood in general. 🙂
Pics of Then 
What a sweet photo! I rarely see people smiling in pictures from this era. I guess it’s hard not to smile when you’re holding a baby 🙂
You’re right. Natural (or natural-seeming) smiles in photos of that era are such a treat. 🙂