The Huntington & Clark studio of Detroit, Michigan, produced this wonderful photograph of an adorable little girl and her toy wooden wagon. The child’s hair is well styled and she is wearing a pretty frilly dress. Historical author, Thomas Yanul included Frank Scott Clark (1865-1937) in his series “Business & the Baroque: Six Portrait Photographers of America”. Clark was born in Peru, Indiana and claimed that his family lived in America during Revolutionary War times. Clark began his work career by working many different jobs in eastern United States and Canada. Around 1880 Clark was hired by prominent background painter, Lafayette W. Seavey. Seavey was very popular during the cabinet card era. Clark was then hired by a friend of Seavy who happened to be famed New York portrait photographer, Napoleon Sarony. Clark was involved with creating, making and setting up backgrounds for Sarony. He also worked as a camera operator. He worked several years with Sarony and also studied and was employed briefly with celebrated New York photographer, Jose Maria Mora. In the next phase of his career, he worked doing portraits, backgrounds, and theater scenery. In 1892, Clark moved to Detroit and managed the the Charles A. Millard studio estate. In 1894, Clark partnered with George Huntington and they worked together until 1903 when Clark began operating a studio on his own. The above portrait was taken during this partnership. Clark prospered and became very involved with Detroit’s upper crust. He not only served as their photographer but he also was active in their sport, social, literary and art circles. In his narrative, Yanul states that Clark “became a larger than life character of the Detroit scene”. He describes Clark as being a “slightly bohemian figure”. Yanul adds that Clark had a charismatic personality, dressed in an artistic fashion, and was quite intellectual.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 