Help dating this photo to work out which ancestor

[fyremoon]

We believe this is a photo of either Ellen b. 1874 or her mother Jane b.1850, Australia

I'm not great at guessing ages, but if she's in her early 20s, for example, that would put the photo somewhere around the mid 1890s for Ellen or 1870s for Jane.

I'm leaning towards it being Ellen in mid-late 1890s, but can anyone confirm or deny based on the dress style, hairstyle, pose, even the palm plant?

Thank you

[Daisypetal]

Hi,

Just looking at the sleeves, I think it is a 1890s picture,

https://mymodernmet.com/womens-fashion-history/

Regards,
Daisy

[fyremoon]

Hi,

Just looking at the sleeves, I think it is a 1890s picture,

https://mymodernmet.com/womens-fashion-history/

Regards,
Daisy

Oh, I was looking for a site like that with all the different dress styles! Thanks Daisy.

[sparrett]

Those more knowledgeable than me will assist, but I think the frizzy bit of hair across the front of her hairstyle was all the thing in the 1890's.

I seem to remember learning you could even buy little fake bits that you pinned in.

Sue

[fyremoon]

Those more knowledgeable than me will assist, but I think the frizzy bit of hair across the front of her hairstyle was all the thing in the 1890's.

I seem to remember learning you could even buy little fake bits that you pinned in.

Sue

Thanks Sue, I did wonder about the curled 'fringe' thinking that would be a lot of work to maintain in those days! I'll have to tell my daughter, there's nothing new or modern about fake hair add-ons 

The votes are stacking up for Ellen in the 1890s so far...

[Gadget]

mid 1890s -say 1895-1898. She looks 18-24.

Gadget

[fyremoon]

mid 1890s -say 1895-1898. She looks 18-24.

Gadget

I was thinking along those lines too...
Haven't had anyone yet say anything in favour of it being an earlier photograph, so I think it's ok to say this is Ellen b.1874?

[fyremoon]

I was thinking along those lines too...
Haven't had anyone yet say anything in favour of it being an earlier photograph, so I think it's ok to say this is Ellen b.1874?

She married in 1896 and her child was born in 1897. Maybe this photo was taken before both of, or between, those events? Not sure if there was different fashion for single and married women, or mothers and non-mothers...

[Gadget]

She's not showing off a ring, so maybe it was after her marriage.  Usually, engagement and/or wedding rings are shown to show a change of status - i..e. betrothed or just married.  Is there a slight sign of a pregnancy ?