This evocative scallop edged, early 20th-century real photo postcard, presents a carefully posed family portrait, photographed outdoors in what appears to be a wooded park or garden setting. The image depicts a young couple with two children, arranged in a formal yet intimate composition that reflects both affection and dignity. The father, standing behind the group, wears a dark tailored suit with narrow lapels, a stiff white collar, slim tie, and a neatly groomed mustache—hallmarks of late 1910s to early 1920s European men’s fashion. His hair is closely cropped and carefully parted, reinforcing the formal tone of the portrait. The mother, seated at right, cradles an infant in her arms. She wears a dark long-sleeved dress with a modest neckline and a long decorative pendant necklace. Her softly waved hair, worn up but not tightly pinned, is consistent with post–World War I women’s fashion, circa 1919–1923. The older child, a little girl seated at left, appears to be approximately 3–4 years old. She wears a dark dress, light stockings, and strap shoes, with a large bow in her hair. Her direct, serious gaze gives the photograph much of its emotional weight and presence. The infant, likely under one year of age, is dressed in a long white christening-style gown, commonly used for formal portraits and special occasions during this period. The contrast between the dark adult clothing and the infant’s bright garment draws the viewer’s eye to the youngest family member. Overall, this is not a casual snapshot but a deliberately composed, commissioned portrait, intended to commemorate family life during the immediate post-war years. The reverse is divided-back, with a handwritten message in German, written in flowing cursive script. The card is postally unused (no stamp or cancellation). An approximate translation of the message is “Grechwitz (Germany), March 29, Dear Luise! On your birthday we send you our warmest good wishes. For your dear children…Warm greetings” to everyone.” The message is affectionate and familial in tone, suggesting this postcard was sent as a birthday greeting, reinforcing the idea that this portrait held personal significance for the sender and recipient. On the reverse of the card is the printed name “Leonar”. Leonar was a German photographic paper and postcard publisher. The postcard is on Leonar paper but it is not certain that the firm was also the publisher of the card. This vintage postcard is in very good condition. The card has light, even age toning. There is minor edge and corner wear. The image is clear with strong contrast.
This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $22.00 or best offer.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236559225869
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
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