This striking carte de visite (CDV) features a well-dressed gentleman posed in a confident and composed studio portrait by E.R. Curtiss (1836-1906) of Madison, Wisconsin. The sitter stands in a classic mid-19th-century pose, one hand resting on a book while the other is held behind his back, projecting an air of quiet authority and intellectual refinement. The gentleman’s appearance is particularly appealing, with softly curled hair, a neatly groomed mustache, and a full beard that frames his face. His expression is calm and direct, with a steady gaze that gives the portrait a strong presence. He is dressed in a dark, well-tailored coat with a velvet collar, buttoned vest, and bow tie—attire that reflects the formal style of the late Civil War to Reconstruction-era period. The reverse bears an ornate backmark for E.R. Curtiss, Madison, Wisconsin, featuring an American eagle motif and decorative scrollwork. He operated a photo studio in Madison, Wisconsin. Curtiss was born in Southington, Connecticut and married Eva A. Lingenfetler of Fonda, New York in 1859. An interesting physical characteristic of this example is that it is printed on slightly thinner cardstock than is typically encountered with CDVs. Based on the style of dress, pose, and mount design, this CDV likely dates to approximately the late 1860s to early 1870s. The condition of this cdv is good overall. The image remains clear with good contrast and detail. There are scattered small surface specks and light marks visible. The corners show light wear and the mount exhibits typical handling wear for its age. The reverse shows moderate soiling and spotting but retains a strong, legible backmark. The thinner cardstock is intact with no structural issues. Overall, this 150 year-old photograph is a solid and displayable image with appealing subject matter (see scans).
This carte de visite is available for purchase at my store, The History Peddler, for $18.00 at auction
Interested collectors may view the listing here:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/336575595451
The handsome young man in this photograph is named Howard Briscoe. His name is inscribed on the reverse of this cabinet card photo. Briscoe lived in Baraboo, Wisconsin. He lived there all, or most of his life. Briscoe was born in 1878. His father was a miller by trade, Briscoe’s wife was named Julia Simon Briscoe. Howard Briscoe worked as a carpenter for a railroad company. The photographer of this image, Mr. Mould, is mentioned in a number of photographic journals. He placed an ad for his studio in a book about Sauk County, Wisconsin (1891). The Photographic Times (1898) reports on his appointment to a lobbying committee of the Photographers Association of Wisconsin. The Encyclopedia Dubuque (1911) reveals that Sim Mould operated a photographic studio at 107 Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa. The cabinet card gallery has other photographs by Mould, Place his name in the search box to view these other images. The town of Baraboo is situated on the Baraboo river. The town was settled by Abe Wood and originally called Adams. In 1852 it was renamed Baraboo. In the town’s early history it became the home of several sawmills. In the nineteenth century the town served as the headquarters of several circuses, including Ringling Brothers. Baraboo became known as “Circus City”. SOLD
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 