This unusual and uncommon cabinet card features an adorable little boy. He is holding what appears to be a spear. On a slate next to him, there are the words that state, “What Fools These Mortals Be”. This is a line from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by William Shakespeare. The line is delivered by the mischievous fairy, Puck. Is the boy in this photograph in costume and taking part in a play? Alternatively, is this photograph just the result of a creative, Shakespeare aware, photographer. The photographer of this cabinet card portrait is W. Busse. His studio was located in Morrisania, New York. Morrisania is a residential neighborhood in the Bronx, New York. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
He may be portraying the mascot of Puck magazine:
[cid:6141d204-72a6-4958-9979-b6edecb5ffc2]
Robert Wilhelm
rhwilhelm@live.comrhwilhlem@live.com