Woman with bows on her sleeves
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What it is:
Carte de visite (CDV) measuring a bit less than 2 x 4 inches.
What I know about it:
Nothing! Undated and unidentified.
Comments:
This is the third of four photos I bought at an antiques store this weekend. Unfortunately, it has been trimmed along the top for some reason, but it was only a dollar, so I couldn’t resist. By the way, I should probably clarify something. When I say I know nothing about a photo, it means that there is no specific date or name or anything written on it. But there might still be plenty of clues that can help narrow things down, such as using the overall format to tighten the time frame down to a decade or so. (Other clues, like the style of clothing, can be helpful.) As Mrs. Marvel pointed out, for instance, in my post two days ago, the overall format would indicate it was from the 1860s, and that same information would seem to apply here. I’m always grateful for the extra corroboration.
Pics of Then 
I would say the style of the bodice (esp. the shoulders) also supports the 1860s.
Cool, thanks for the input.
the 1860s date! Nothing like hitting “post” just as you realize your comment barely makes sense.
🙂
I’m glad you decided to expand your collection. It’s always nice to spend a little money on something that brings you…and us pleasure.
Thanks, Mrs. P. It’s still in my best interests to be frugal these days, but it’s nice to treat myself now and then.
Treating yourself to something that creates pleasure and spending very little in the process makes the treat even better…certainly wiser!
Thanks, that’s pretty much my thinking here, too.
This is another nice 1860s image. The dress is typical of the mid century but her hair isn’t. Generally the hair was parted in the middle and smoothed down. I suspect this lady was expressing herself in one of the limited ways available to her. Nice photo!
Thanks, Mrs. Marvel! I was thinking her hair looked a little more storm-tossed than I’m used to seeing in these. It’s interesting to think that it might be a mode of self-expression.
I know nothing about the period, but from her hair and her expression, I inferred a power and resistance to something. Something in that face says “fierce advocate” and it’s not just that I see Mary Stuart Masterson in that gaze…
I would love to have lunch with her.
Agreed on all counts.
I love that gaze. It says “I will wear this dress if you make me, but I will NOT like it.”
Yes, she looks very much like a woman of her own mind.