Woman in Fur and Jewels Fashion - 1880 -1890 Black History /Free Woman- Victorian Photography

$20-30

This wonderful woman showcases Late Victorian excellence in a lovely cabinet card photo! Her curly hair, perfect for piling atop the head in a bouquet of curls, looks gorgeous in a topknot. The hairstyle draws the eye down to her serene and knowing face, and her stylish necklace and fur collar frame her face from below.

Though it is difficult to tell in photos such as these, a note on the back of the card from a previous owner says "Black", indicating that perhaps she had African-American ancestry. The photo was taken in Champaign, IL, around the 1880s, and one can certainly imagine this lovely lady living in Illinois as a liberated young woman and perhaps attending the city's first Black church, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal! This photo is truly a beautiful piece of late 18th century Black history in America.

Moreover, the back of the card features a rare imprint from another Victorian photograph of a woman with an extravagant hat, as was fashionable in the era -- a two-for-one cabinet card!

Height: 6"
Width: 4"

Condition: Corner wearing and foxing of card mount.

**Our vintage ephemera may have signs of wear or production imperfections. We mention creases, crazing, foxing or tears in our descriptions, the photos are part of the description, please examine carefully. Thanks for shopping!