This original carte de visite features a wonderful portrait of a young woman. The photographer, J. E. James adeptly captured a photo of the woman as she appeared deep in thought or worry. I think she looks sad. She is wearing a crossed ribbon with a large pin just under her lace collar. Does the ribbon indicate that she is in mourning or is it just an accessory. Note the young lady’s cute curls. The photographer of this cdv image is no stranger to me. I have another carte de visite by Mr.James. This second cdv is also one of high quality in regard to reflecting the photographer’s talent for recording emotion via photography. What do we know about Mr James? The J. E. James studio was located in Galena, Illinois. James Edward James (1842-1878) was born in Liverpool, England. After immigrating to the United States he served in the 96th Illinois Infantry (Company A) during the civil war. He entered the service as a Private but was discharged as a Commissary Sergeant. He died while still a young man and left his wife Kitty to raise their four children and operate his photographic studio. (SOLD) 
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
The crosses ribbon was a very popular fashion accessory that I have seen many times. It has no meaning I am aware of.