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Old Photographs, Recognition, Handwriting Deciphering => Free Photo Restoration & Date Old Photographs => Topic started by: Old Mother Reilly on Sunday 13 December 20 12:17 GMT (UK)

Title: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: Old Mother Reilly on Sunday 13 December 20 12:17 GMT (UK)
This image was taken from a recently re-discovered ambrotype.  Looking at the pagaoda sleeves and geometric trimming on the dresses, I think it was taken in the early 1860s.  Would other Rootschatters agree?

It looks to me as if the dress on the lefthand sitter doesn't really fit which makes me wonder if the clothes were borrowed or perhaps kept by the studio as much props for the portrait as a background cloth?  Does anyone know if that was something studios might do?

I'm also hopeless at guessing ages - any ideas as to the ages of the girls, please?
Title: Re: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: jim1 on Sunday 13 December 20 13:13 GMT (UK)
Studios didn't have dressing up boxes, these are their own clothes.
Possibly early 1860's but could just as easily be mid 1850's.
They look around 8 & 12.
Title: Re: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: japeflakes on Sunday 13 December 20 14:30 GMT (UK)
Just to see what a B&W edition looks like
Title: Re: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: Old Mother Reilly on Friday 18 December 20 09:34 GMT (UK)
Thank you both. 

Jim1, it is useful to know what a neutral person estimates the girls ages to be - your guesses fit the profile of the relatives I have in mind. 

I do wonder whether they borrowed the dresses though! :)
Title: Re: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: bearkat on Friday 18 December 20 09:37 GMT (UK)
I do wonder whether they borrowed the dresses though! :)

They were probably made with plenty of growing room. :)
Title: Re: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: Milliepede on Friday 18 December 20 16:08 GMT (UK)
The girl on the right looks a lot more "grown up" to me, even the way her hands are held is composed and she looks more serene but just my impression. 

I actually thought mother and daughter at first but can't see a wedding ring. 
Title: Re: Studio Portrait Late 1850s- Early 1860s
Post by: Lola5 on Friday 18 December 20 17:42 GMT (UK)
11 ans 15?