This cabinet card provides a portrait of a handsome uniformed Austro-Hungarian soldier. He is posing at the Rudolf Denk studio in Vienna, Austria. Note his high boots, sabre, and wrist watch. The soldier is wearing a couple of medals on his chest. His cap is on the table beside him. He is wearing a whistle which can be seen between his two breast pockets. The soldier is holding an open book. It is likely that this young man saw military action. World War I was not many years away from the time that he sat for this photograph.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Beautiful portrait. I may be wrong, but I believe this had to be taken no later than 1918 (politically). Can’t be sure (and my eyesight is terrible anyway) but the medal on the (our) left may be associated with bravery and the one on the right possibly rank-related (officer, lower grade?). Handsome uniform … can’t make out the insignia on the hat. Is that a scar on his right cheek? … possibly from dueling, not unknown in that society. More here than first meets the eye. Wonder what became of him. Thanks for sharing this.