This cabinet card features a full-length studio portrait of a young girl posed beside a chair. The photographer’s mark at the bottom reads “Ensminger, Morristown, New Jersey”. The girl appears to be around 5 to 7 years old. She is dressed in a dark, heavy dress or coat with prominent white lace trim at the collar and cuffs, characteristic of children’s fashion around the 1895–1905 period. Her long hair, possibly a wig or enhanced with hairpieces for the photo session, is styled to one side and adorned with two large ribbon bows, adding a touch of charm and formality. She wears a wide-brimmed hat tilted forward, which also features oversized decorative bows—this style was quite popular in Edwardian children’s portraiture. Her high-button black boots are visible under the hem of her dress, and she rests one hand on a wooden chair, adding a subtle compositional balance to the portrait. Her expression is solemn, yet alert—typical of long-exposure portrait photography of the era. The neutral studio backdrop and ornate rug on the floor enhance the formality and timelessness of the portrait. The reverse of the card is marked simply in ink with the handwritten notation: “Mrs. M. S.” This may be a clue to the identity of the child’s mother or the recipient of the photograph—perhaps a keepsake. Henry Ensminger was a notable photographer based in Morristown, New Jersey, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He operated a photography studio in Morristown from approximately 1894 to 1922, producing a variety of portrait photographs. (SOLD)
Two young girls pose for a vintage snapshot photograph as they sit on the sand at the beach. One girl has her arm affectionately around the shoulder of the second girl. The recipient of the affection is displaying a sour expression. Are the girls sisters? Could they be close friends? The answer is lost to history. The girls names are written on the reverse of the photo. I can only decipher one of the names. It is “Ingrid”. A stamp on the reverse of the snapshot indicates that the photograph was developed in Dresden, Germany. Dresden is the second largest city in Saxony. It is situated on the banks of the River Elbe. It is near the border of the Czech Republic. There are beaches along the Elbe and perhaps this image captures one of them. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 