Intriguing Woman in Vienna

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The subject of this cabinet card has a very intriguing appearance. She is young, attractive and mysterious. The reverse of the Cabinet card presents even more to ponder. Glued to the back of this Cabinet card is a vintage photograph of a Black family. Are the photos related or is there another explanation? I believe that this Cabinet card comes from the studio of R Krziwanek of Vienna, Austria. I am not sure of my translation,  so any help in identifying the photographer and studio location would be appreciated.

Published in: on December 19, 2008 at 3:22 pm  Comments (1)  
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Black Woman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Edith S. Miles poses in this photograph at the Original Fowler Studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “Compliments of Edith S. Miles” is written on the reverse of the card. She is beautifully dressed and her hair has been nicely styled for her day at the photographer.

Published in: on December 18, 2008 at 7:57 pm  Comments (1)  
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Lina Merville: Burlesque Queen

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This Cabinet card photograph presents Lina Merville, a burlesque star. More research is required to learn more of her biographical details, so at least for now, a picture has to be worth a thousand words. The photographer is Emil Scholl of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Published in: on December 17, 2008 at 10:43 pm  Comments (4)  
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A Boy on his Tricycle

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This is a wonderful Cabinet card of a young boy on his tricycle posing in the studio of H. Osterhout in Middletown, New York. Check out the details of the tricycle. In addition, note the young boys outfit. He is wearing a terrific hat, a bow tie or scarf, and great shoes. What is on his lap? It looks like a skirt. Is this young boy actually a young girl? What do you think?

Published in: on December 17, 2008 at 3:46 pm  Comments (1)  
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“Be Good and You Will Be Lonesome”: Lovely Woman in London

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This Cabinet card presents a bit of a mystery.  This lovely woman is posing at a studio in London. The name of the studio is difficult to make out but it appears to be Huggins Sisters.  The reverse of the card offers further intrigue. Written in pen on the back of the card is the following, “Be good and you will be lonesome”. The quote is signed “Glennie Kirkpatrick” but since her first name is written somewhat illegibly, I am not certain about my accuracy of “Glennie”.  Interestingly, the quote originally is attributable to American writer, Mark Twain. If anyone has information that can help shed some more light about the story of this Cabinet card, please leave a comment.

Published in: on December 16, 2008 at 2:26 pm  Comments (1)  
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Ethnic Family in New York City

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This Cabinet card is a photograph of a very attractive ethnic family. The photographer is Kaufmann of New York City. Notice the multiple props. Mom is holding flowers and the older child has a book while the youngest is holding what appears to be a walking stick. Dad has a pocket watch and he and his family seem to be wearing their sunday best for this terrific portrait.

Published in: on December 15, 2008 at 8:14 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Young Musician

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This is a Cabinet card of a young musician who appears to be ready to play her string instrument. She is dressed nicely for her photograph and is wearing a broach pin. I believe that her musical instrument is a violin but I am hoping a more knowledgeable person can leave me a comment to let me know for certain, what instrument this girl is holding. The photographer and the studio location of this picture is unknown.

Published in: on December 14, 2008 at 7:38 pm  Comments (2)  
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ALWINA VALLERIA: OPERA STAR

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Alwina Valleria (1848-1925) is seen in full costume in this cabinet photograph by Cooper of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Valleria was the first American-born singer to appear in principal roles with the Metropolitan Opera. She was a soprano.  Born in Baltimore, she attended the Royal Academy of Music in London. She made her operatic debut in St Petersburg in 1871 and sang in Europe until 1879 when she first appeared in America singing Marguerite in Faust with the James Henry Mapleson company. In 1883 she first appeared at the Metropolitan Opera and she was New York City’s first Micaela in Carmen in 1878. She retired from the stage in 1886 and died in France in 1925.

Published in: on December 13, 2008 at 6:41 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Young Black Girl in West Chester, Pennsylvania

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This very cute and expressive Black child is posing for this terrific Cabinet card. She doesn’t look like she’s sure how she feels about being in front of the camera. The photographer is Grubb of West Chester, Pennsylvania. To view additional photographs by Grubb, click on this site’s “Photographer: Grubb” category.

Published in: on December 12, 2008 at 8:22 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Frankie Kemble: Stage Actress

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Frankie Kemble, stage actress, is seen in this Cabinet card by Benjamin Falk of New York City.  Falk was a very well known photographer who specialized in photographing theatrical celebrities. I have yet to find much information about Kemble except that she did reach “stardom”. This beautiful actress appeared in a number of plays including “Sybil” (1888) and “The Mikado  (1885).

Published in: on December 12, 2008 at 4:08 pm  Comments (2)  
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