Family in Verden, Germany
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What it is:
Cabinet card measuring 4.25 x 6.5 inches.
What I know about it:
Photographer is Bornemann [I believe it’s Joh. Bornemann] of Verden, Germany. Otherwise undated and unidentified.
Comments:
Goodness, this doesn’t look like a household that’s taken by a great deal of frivolity, does it?
Pics of Then 
Mother seems relaxed enough, as if she has bought into father’s authoritarian rule. Perhaps there is something sweet and forbidden for her there. Father looks like that big left hand can’t wait to spank the poor lad who dreams of Bavarian castles, far far away.
Yes, she seems to have a twinkle in her eye. Perhaps he’s just pompous, and she finds it quietly amusing.
Don’t let ’em fool you. That look from her means she’s at ease anywhere. Her husband’s grimace is because he’s so painfully shy and *needs* to look serious for this.
That little guy’s head tilt bespeaks engagement, and he would not be engaged if this was a heavy-handed family.
Therefore, they have fun all the time. Q.E.D.
😉
Good call. I like that interpretation. 🙂
I can see her asking the photographer, “Do you mind if I hold my book? I take one everywhere I go.” And dad is irritated that she can’t even have her photo taken without a book in hand. (Says the bibliophile. Who can’t go anywhere without a book. 🙂 )
Ha ha! That’s a good interpretation.