This is a striking vintage 5 x 7 inch mounted photograph featuring a young woman posed thoughtfully in a Victorian-era studio portrait. The sitter leans slightly forward on an ornately carved chair, resting her cheek on one hand, and holds a small box or compact in the other, lending the pose a contemplative, almost narrative quality. Her gaze is direct yet introspective, conveying a soft seriousness. She wears a finely tailored dress characteristic of the late Victorian to early Edwardian period, with fitted sleeves, intricate trim across the bodice, and layered textures that suggest quality and careful fashion sense. Draped over her shoulders is a light fabric or shawl, providing a contrast in texture to the smooth lines of her gown. On her head sits an elaborate hat adorned with what appears to be feathers and ribbons, consistent with fashionable women’s headwear of the era. The photograph is mounted on a dark board bearing the studio imprint at the bottom. This identifies the image as the work of Herbert Tonkin, a San Francisco photographer documented in the 1900 U.S. Census as a studio photographer working on Market Street. He was born in Wales. Tonkin’s portfolio included portraits of local sitters in turn-of-the-century San Francisco, and his work shows fine attention to composition and detail. This photograph is in good antique condition, with the following notes: there are a few very faint scratches visible in the darker background areas of the image. There is light edge and corner wear. The overall tonal quality is solid and the sitters features and attire are detailed and clear. This vintage photo is from circa 1900 and displays beautifully (see scans).
This cabinet card is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $34.95 at auction.
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/236600437787
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 