Victorian Era Photo Appraisal

Victorian Era Carte de Visite Photograph of a Seated Woman

This item is a historical carte de visite (CDV) photograph, a popular form of photography during the mid-19th century. The sepia-toned albumen print depicts a young woman seated in what appears to be a studio setting, likely dating from the 1860s given the subject's attire and photographic format. The woman is dressed in typical Victorian fashion, featuring a dark, full-skirted dress or gown with a wide, voluminous silhouette, possibly supported by a crinoline or hoop skirt, though the full extent is not clearly visible in the seated pose. Her dress has long sleeves and a high, collared neckline. A prominent feature is the row of buttons down the front of her bodice. Her hair is parted down the middle, pulled back, and adorned with what appears to be a small ribbon bow near the back of her head. She is seated on a simple, dark-colored chair with an armrest, and her hands are clasped or resting on her lap. The background is subtle, suggesting a studio backdrop, and the floor features a patterned rug or carpet. The photograph itself is mounted on a thicker cardstock, typical of CDVs. The overall condition shows some signs of age, including a slight yellowing or fading characteristic of albumen prints, minor surface scratches visible, particularly in the upper left quadrant, and possibly slight edge wear to the cardstock mount. No distinct maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image of the front, though these often appear on the reverse of CDVs. The craftsmanship reflects the standard studio portraiture of the period, aiming for a formal and dignified presentation of the sitter.