This is a CdV or a Cartes d’ visite, very close in size to our wallet photos..it is just a little larger. I bought this one because of the ladies bustle…this photo was most likely taken sometime in 1881 to 1886. Norkio is the expert in this time period..so we will see if she has a comment! The gentleman is sporting quite a moustache! I wonder what the occasion was?
Childs Art Gallery was in business in Ishpeming, Michigan from 1870 to 1950. This CdV does not have rounded corners. Thanks for stopping by, do come again:)
Update from Norkio! Thanks!!
Wow! Great example of the Natural Form costume that was popular 1877-1882!!! In between the first and second bustle periods was the natural form, which eschewed the wire frame and pillow bustles. The straight skirt that hugged the legs was considered scandalous! Trims, ruffles, pleats, contrasting fabrics and more were all over skirts, while bodices were kept fairly simple. This bodice is probably a "cuirass" bodice (pronounced choir-as), which trended to extend below the hips by the end of the natural form period. I picture this dress in a combination of reds and browns, maybe with a rose ribbon in there. There may have been up to five different fabrics used; mostly wool, silk, taffeta, linen, and satin. Cotton was reserved for undergarments.
Let it be known that while the natural form costume occurred at around the same time as the rational dress reform movement, the natural form costume was definitely worn with a corset and all the standard undergarments! (Rational dress pushed for the abolition of the corset among other goals.)
Again, fabulous photo documenting the lovely natural form dress. This is one of my favorite fashion periods of the second half of the 19th century!!
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