This cabinet card portrait presents a formally posed woman seated with a mandolin cradled in her lap. The photograph is the work of Larson, a professional photographer operating out of 301–303 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota, as embossed on the card mount. The woman gazes directly at the camera with a composed, self-assured expression—serious, yet approachable. Her hair is carefully curled and parted, a fashionable look for the late 19th century. She wears a high-necked dress in the style typical of the 1890s, featuring leg-of-mutton sleeves (voluminous at the shoulder and tapering to the wrist), which were highly popular during that time. The bodice of her gown is accented with a checkered or textured insert, and she wears a decorative bow or tie at the collar—adding to the refined, modest elegance of her ensemble. Her appearance suggests that she may have been of middle-class status, and possibly musically trained or involved in performance or amateur music circles. The instrument she holds is a mandolin, distinguished by its tear-drop shape and small, bowl-back body. Mandolins were popular instruments in the late Victorian era, especially among women, as they were considered both genteel and suitable for parlor entertainment. Her grip on the instrument appears practiced—though whether she was photographed in the midst of playing or simply posing with it, we cannot be sure. Still, her inclusion of the mandolin signals her musical ability or at least her cultural refinement. The photo was taken by the Larson Studio, located at 301–303 Washington Ave. S., Minneapolis. Herman Larson was a Swedish immigrant who came to America through Sweden in the early 1900’s. In Sweden, he held a degree of Master Photographer and was knighted by the King of Sweden for his excellent work there in the late 1800’s. In 1904 he established his photography studio in downtown Minneapolis. Much of Larson’s work came from the theological, church and public schools in the area. The studio remains in business today and its web site discloses that it still possesses Larson’s panoramic circuit camera. (SOLD)
WOMAN AND A MANDOLIN IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
JENNIE WINSTON: INTERCONTINENTAL COMIC OPERA ACTRESS
CABINET CARD 1
CABINET CARD 3 
Cabinet Card 1 features early theatre actress, Jennie Winston. Unfortunately, biographical information concerning Ms. Winston appears to be sparse, and further research is necessary. An 1881 publication reveals that Jennie Winston was a native of Scotland and moved to Australia to join W. S. Lyster’s Italian Opera company. Her tenure with this company was seven years. She next went ot America under engagement to “Mr Maguire”, for whom she worked for one season’s duration. She then formed her own traveling opera company which journeyed to the western United States and British Columbia. The “Dramatic News” described Winston as “unsurpassed as a comic-opera artist by anyone in this country”. The photographer of this portrait was the studio belonging to Gilbert & Bacon. This studio was well known for their quality work as well as their work with local and visiting celebrities. To view other photographs by this studio, click on the category of “Photographer: Gilbert & Bacon”.
Cabinet Card 2 also by Gilbert & Bacon, captures a costumed Jennie Winston playing the mandolin. Note the backdrop used in this photograph. The backdrop was an excellent choice for the photograph as it is compatible with Ms. Winston’s costume. It was also a good choice technically; the actress does realistically appear to be standing on a winding stone road. (SOLD)
Cabinet Card 3 presents a portrait featuring a sultry looking Jennie Winston. The photograph is by celebrated photographer, Marc Gambier (1838-1900). (SOLD)
Cabinet Card 4 was also photographed by Gambier. Miss Winston is in costume for an unnamed theatrical performance. She is acting in the portrait. Note her provocative and coy appearance. Gambier was born and educated in Paris, France. At the age of 19, he came to America for a very short stint of time. He returned to France and became a student of the great painter, Le Creton. Subsequently, he became a student of another great painter, Camino. He then returned to America and for five years, studied and worked under esteemed photographer, Sarony (view Sarony’s photographs by clicking on the category “Photographer: Sarony”). He then launched his own photography business in New York City. He divided his time between his first love, painting, and his business of taking and selling photographs. Gambier was known as a great historical painter. He was a veteran of the French Army and while in the service, he sketched and painted several important battles. Research reveals that Gambier was listed in the 1880 US census. He was forty-one years old and living in New York City with his family. He is listed as living with his wife Emilie (age 28), daughters Louise (age 10) and Emilie (age 7), and son M. L. (age 2). Also in the residence was a young woman (age 25) who worked as a servant. Gambier was known for the many theatrical photographs he produced as well as for selling postage stamp sized portrait photographs, that people attached to their letters and postcards. (SOLD)
STAGE ACTRESS MISS NINA CADIZ AND HER MANDOLIN (1906 RPPC)
This vintage real photo postcard features stage actress Miss Nina Cadiz and her mandolin. I am actually not sure that her string instrument is a mandolin and hopefully a musically informed visitor to the cabinet card gallery will correctly identify it. This postcard was mailed from England in 1906. The message on the postcard wishes the addressee a “very happy New Year”. The postmark is December 31, 1906 which may indicate the writer was a bit of a procrastinator. The postcard was published by Stewart & Woolf who were located in London. The postcard was part of a series (116) and is numbered #50. A portrait of Miss Cadiz can be found in Britain’s National Portrait Gallery. The image can be seen below. Note that the photography studio that produced the portrait is Elliott & Fry, a name that should be familiar to frequent Cabinet Card Gallery visitors. Click on category Photographer: Elliott & Fry to view more of their photographs.
FRANCES EVERETT: THEATER ACTRESS PORTRAIT (NEWSBOY SERIES: 1891)
This Newsboy cabinet card features a portrait of actress, Frances Everett. The photograph is number 329 of a series of images published by Newsboy to distribute as a premium with their tobacco products. The photograph was taken by B. J. Falk and has a copyright of 1891. The cabinet card has a stamp from the Theatral (Theatrical?) Photo. Company of New York City. Miss Everett holds a string instrument (mandolin?) and is dressed in a rather risque costume for her era. She is also wearing a great smile. Preliminary research found no biographical information about Miss Everett or the Theatral Photo Company.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 