A woman wearing an ornate veil poses for her portrait at the studio of Ramon Carreras in Havana, Cuba. Hopefully a visitor to the cabinet card gallery can leave a comment about the subject’s attire. What does the woman’s clothing tell us about her? Research yielded little information about the photographer of this cabinet card. The Encyclopedia of Nineteenth Century Photography (2007) states that the war between Cuba and Spain (1895-1898) was documented by a number of photographers including Carreras. This cabinet card is in good condition (see scans).
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As all Cabinet Cards transport us to another time – and to many of us, a better time, this portrait is particularly affecting. Although this woman’s attire might make us suppose she is dressed for a religious occasion, it might be that Cuban women in her country/culture affected a modest appearance in order to reflect a quiet spirit of feminine dignity. – Compare this with the bombardment of media images we “enjoy” today: bikinis that intentionally are meant to reveal the most intimate body parts. – And to top that, a sampling of tattoos and “body jewelry”, etc. – What does this and other sex-focused clothing today (even for children) say about our contemporary culture.?
This gentlewoman’s attitude and apparel reflect a quietly lovely and dignified inner presence. – A time when women were respected and revered.- Thanks Cabinet Cards!
I can guess at what the clothing items were, although not at their exact use. The lacy top hood might have been a mantilla or adapted from the mantilla. The cape/drape item is possibly attached to the lace hood and is simply a lovely dress cape.
You’re right. – I am sure they were the product of meticulous personal “fine work”. – Thanks for your response.
I have a photo of my great aunt at the Ramon Carreras studio in Havana, Cuba. She lived from 1876 to 1914 and appears to be about 18-25 in the photograph. That would make the date of the photograph 1894 to 1901.