A couple and their three children arrive in Wyk auf Fohr, the only town on the island of Fohr. Fohr is the second largest of the North Frisian Islands on the German coast of the North Sea. The family is on the island to vacation. They decide to walk around the town and happened upon a photographer’s studio. The photographers name was Wilhelm Muller. The family decides to go into the studio for a portrait, believing that a photograph of them would make a great souvenir of their trip to the seashore. The photographer had a wonderful beach backdrop, as well as props, including fishing nets and an oar. The resulting photograph makes the family look like they are ready for a day of serious fishing. For some unknown reason, it was decided that mom should pose with an open book on her lap. Is she bored, or is she studying a text on fishing? The family likely had fun on their vacation because the area they were visiting, was a noted resort town. Here is a historical tidbit. From 1842 to 1847, Danish King Christian VIII chose Wyk as his summer vacation spot, which attracted even more tourists. In 1844, Hans Christian Andersen followed the King to Wyk and made the following comment about Wyk’s beach: “I bathed every day and I must say it was the most remarkable water I have ever been in”.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 