Who Were They?

Lost and forgotten photos from the past

This photo from our Leather CdV album is in the ninth opening and features a woman with a huge bow, covered with other adornments. I see lace, a brooch, a necklace, a choker and maybe a dried flower. The long chain could be attached to a pocket watch or a fan at her waist. I …

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  I know that sometimes my first impressions on these photos aren’t the most flattering, and such is the case today. This poor fellow’s ears stick out, and that reminded me of the old saying of the “taxi doors are open” to describe someone with this affliction. Isn’t it interesting to ponder what life would …

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    Had this photo been taken of me, I would not like it because the ribbon on this lady’s hair is askew. It is somehow flopped forward onto her head. Whether that was an accident or the ribbon just didn’t cooperate we can never know. Regardless, she is serene and maybe a bit pensive. …

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Recently, I acquired a photo album that dates back to the 1860s, during the time when CdV portraiture was really taking off and photo albums became more common. The carte de visite (CdV) became available in 1859 and thrived throughout the following decades. Numerous soldiers engaged in the American Civil War took the time to …

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