This striking cabinet card presents an intimate, staged studio portrait of a man and a young child posed together in a carefully arranged domestic setting. The adult figure—seated comfortably and wearing a dark uniform-style jacket and cap—holds a pipe, while the child, perched on a small table beside him, mirrors the gesture with a pipe of his own. The deliberate echoing of pose and prop gives the image a gently playful, almost theatrical quality, typical of late-19th-century studio photography, where symbolism and visual storytelling were often encouraged. The contrast between the adult’s relaxed authority and the child’s earnest imitation adds warmth and charm, making this a memorable and engaging portrait. The photograph is mounted on an elegant cabinet card with a decorative black border accented by Art Nouveau–influenced motifs. The overall presentation suggests a professional studio intent on appealing to a refined, middle-class clientele, with equal attention paid to both image and mount. The photographer is clearly identified on the reverse as J. Enard, who operated studios in Delémont and Moutier, towns in the Jura region of Switzerland. The reverse is richly printed in French and provides valuable period details, including the studio locations (“Avenue de la Gare”), telephone reference, and hours of operation. Such detailed backs are characteristic of cabinet cards produced in the late 1890s to early 1900s.The typography and ornamental vine-and-floral design further enhance the visual appeal and confirm its continental origin. Based on the studio information, design style, and overall presentation, this cabinet card likely dates to circa 1895–1905. Overall, this cabinet card is in very good antique condition. The photograph shows very mild edge and corner wear. The mount remains sturdy, with the decorative border well preserved. The reverse is clean and legible, with light toning. See Scans.
This Vintage Real Photo Postcard is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $65.00 or Best Offer
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236566643579
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