This outstanding occupational cabinet card photograph features a group of five coopers—craftsmen who specialized in barrel-making—posed in their work attire. The image likely dates from the 1880s or early 1890s, based on the fashion and presentation. The five men are dressed in heavy leather aprons and striped work shirts, typical attire for men engaged in manual trades during the late 19th century. Three of them wear work caps, while the two seated men—likely the most senior members of the group—wear bowler-style hats. Their expressions range from stoic to faintly assertive, with the bearded man seated at center giving a particularly strong presence, perhaps suggesting he was the master cooper or foreman. Tools of their trade are visible: one man clutches a drawknife, and another holds a cooper’s hammer. They are posed around a freshly constructed wooden barrel, which adds important context and visual authenticity to their profession. The studio name at the bottom of the mount reads simply “Cabinet Fotograf”, embellished with gold scrollwork and a central crest. This suggests the image was produced in Scandinavia—most likely Sweden or Norway—where “Fotograf” was commonly used. Unfortunately, there is no photographer’s name or city listed. The reverse of the card is blank. This image is an exceptional representation of occupational portraiture. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 