Who Were They?

This next image from the Liberty Bell Album shows an 1880s image or possibly early 1890s, of a middle-aged woman in 3/4 profile. The image is faded, as well as slightly damaged and so the image quality is not quite as sharp as others we have seen from the album or from the time period. Note her dress is made from some sort of jacquard, probably silk, and features a vest or false vest. A false vest is a style that appears to be a multilayered garment, but really the “vest” is just sewn to the lapels and is simply part of the whole. It was a popular look throughout the second half of the 19th century, featuring in all the classic styles at one point or another. You can also just see a delicate necklace peeping out of her neckline.

This image was made by an unknown photographer. No back mark or front embossing was on the card.