This warm and touching cabinet card portrait captures an elderly woman in a peaceful and dignified pose. The sitter, identified by the handwritten inscription on the reverse as Mrs. M.E. Edwards, sits in a carved Victorian chair, hands gently at work knitting. A ball of yarn rests in her lap, with knitting needles in her hands—a charming detail that brings personality and depth to this late 19th-century image. Her serene expression and calm gaze suggest kindness and wisdom, and her faint smile exudes gentle grace. Dressed in a dark, modest dress with a fine lace shawl and a brooch at her collar, Mrs. Edwards embodies the archetype of a matriarch from the 1800s. Her hair is neatly parted and pinned back in a simple, traditional style appropriate for the time. The setting is unembellished, allowing her character and activity to take center stage. According to the beautifully designed reverse of the card, this photograph was taken by Taylor & Preston, accomplished portrait photographers based at 188 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts. Their studio’s backmark boasts a richly detailed red illustration featuring photographic equipment, emphasizing their artistry and skill. The handwritten note on the back reads: “Taken Nov. 14, 1890 – Age 86 years – Mrs. M.E. Edwards”. Here is some information about the photographers of this cabinet card. George P. Taylor was at the Salem address that this photo was taken from 1866 through 1899. Taylor was born in 1836. He was educated in Salem schools and at the age of 17, he shipped on the White Swallow, to the Pacific. Upon his return he was employed at D. W. Bowdoin’s photography studio. From 1857 until 1859, he had a traveling photo studio and practiced throughout Massachusetts. During the Civil War he had a studio in Alexandria, Virginia. In about 1867, he partnered with Charles Preston and bought out the studio of William Snell. They established the firm of Taylor and Preston. Taylor ran the business. He retired in 1906 and died in 1911. Little information could be found about Preston. Some of the pair’s photographs are part of the historical collection at Salem State University archives. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
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