In this striking cabinet card photograph, young Anita Manson sits poised in an elegant white dress, her delicate hands clasped gently together. Her soft curls frame a face of quiet intensity, her large, expressive eyes gazing into the distance with a look that seems both wistful and contemplative. There is a serene grace in her posture, a stillness that suggests innocence yet carries an air of maturity beyond her years. This image is the work of renowned celebrity photographer José Mora, who operated a prestigious studio on Broadway in New York City during the late 19th century. Mora, having secured the exclusive rights to photograph Anita, captured her beauty in at least fifty different poses—each new image eagerly anticipated by an adoring public. It is said that she was first discovered by Napoleon Sarony, another famous photographer of the era, who was captivated by her striking appearance while she was out with her nurse. With permission, he photographed her, thus launching her into the realm of celebrity. Anita Manson was not only a celebrated child model but also an admired figure in private theatricals and entertainment circles. Her portraits, such as this one, were in such high demand that in Boston alone, over 25,000 copies were sold. Her delicate lace-trimmed gown, the rich textures of the draped fabric beside her, and the dramatic lighting of the photograph all contribute to the ethereal quality of her image. She was, as the newspapers of the time declared, a true “child beauty”—a young girl whose face enchanted a generation and whose likeness became one of the most sought-after images of its time. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Leave a comment