The gentleman pictured in this cabinet card has the appearance of a scholarly man. The man’s pince nez eyeglasses, and his beard contribute to his studious look. Pince-nez glasses are a style of spectacle that is supported without earpieces, by pinching the bridge of the wearer’s nose. The name has French origin and this type of eyewear reached peak popularity between 1880 and 1900. The photographer of this cabinet card is H. T. See & H. (I. or J.) Epler. The middle initial of Epler is unclear in the reference where it was found. An advertisement for the See & Epler studio appeared in the Columbia Spectator (1899). The advertisement stated the studio was the “Photographer to Columbia University” and that the firm offered special rates to students. The studio was located in New York City and Saratoga, New York.
A STUDIOUS LOOKING MAN WEARING PINCE-NEZ SPECTACLES IN NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
MAUD HANSON: THEATRE OR OPERA STAR OR WHO KNOWS WHAT?
This cabinet card was photographed by George Rockwood (1882-1911) whose studio was located at 17 Union Square West in New York City. The reverse of the card identifies the subject of this portrait as Maud Hanson. It is believed that Hanson was an actress or opera star but this information has not been verified and perhaps a visitor to this site can leave a comment providing identification help. Over the years, the cabinet card gallery has appreciated the assistance of its vast unpaid research department, staffed entirely by visitors to the site. The corseted Ms Hanson is attractive and wearing a hat, a flower in her hair and a cross. She is also wearing what appears to be wrist bands. The purpose of these bands beyond fashion, is unknown. This cabinet card’s photographer, George Rockwood was born in Troy, New York. He graduated from college with a PhD; reportedly either from the University of Chicago, or Columbia University. At 21 years of age, he was a newspaper reporter for the Troy Daily Times and at age 23, he was managing editor of the Troy Daily Post. He began working as a photographer in St. Louis and in 1857 opened a studio with his brother Elihu in New York City. He is credited for bringing CDV’s to America. His obituary in the Washington Post reports that Rockwood photographed more than 350,00 people.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 