This is one of those special type of photographs that collectors come across on an infrequent basis. The young girl in this portrait is pretty, beautifully dressed, and charming. She is wearing a lace trimmed coat over a lace trimmed dress and is wearing an adorable wide brimmed hat. The 5″ x 7″ image was photographed by the Monaco Studio at 205 Montgomery Avenue in San Francisco, California. J.B. Monaco (1856-1938) was a noted photographer in San Francisco. In fact, a collection of his photographs can be found at the San Francisco History Center at the San Francisco Public Library. In 1875 Monaco arrived in the United States as an immigrant from Switzerland. His name was originally Giovanni Battista. He joined his brother in Eureka, Nevada. Louis Monaco operated a photo studio there and J.B. joined him in the business, thus launching a career as a photographer that would span 62 years. In 1887 J. B. moved to San Francisco where he was soon joined by his brother who died in 1897. During J. B.’s career, he distinguished himself with his earthquake and fire photographs. These images have been described as dramatic and journalistic. He documented much of early Nevada and Northern California history. His portraiture work of prominent San Francisco individuals and their families is considered to be exceptional. During his career, Monaco was described as the “Dean of North Beach photographers”. A photograph of Monaco’s photo studio, as well as a portrait of J. B. Monaco, can be seen below. (SOLD)
Monaco’s Studio (photo by JB Monaco)
J. B. Monaco
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
I have a scan of photo of my Grandparents with my father and my aunt taken by J.B. Monaco around 1910. My grandparents were French immigrants who came to San Francisco around 1900. I would be glad to upload or email it if anyone is interested.
I would Be interested in seeing a scan of the photograph. I would gladly add it to this blog entry so other people can see it. You can email the scan to cabinetcardgallery@gmail.com Thanks so much for your comment and I look forward to seeing Monaco’s photograph of your ancestors
I recently purchased a photo taken by JB Monaco at an antique market north of Atlanta, GA. I have sent a scan of the photo to your email. Thank you for all of the information you have already posted about Monaco! It was so exciting to be able to learn about the man who took the picture I bought.
I am glad that you found another photograph by Monaco. I would love to see the photo you purchased. I never received it. Please try to send it to historypeddler@gmail.com. Thanks.
Hi again. I just want to tell you that I in fact found the images you sent me. I will contact you about them soon. Thanks for sending them.