An examination and explanation of clues to establish the
date of 19th century photographs.
This Week's Photograph - January 14, 2013
About the Case Studies
Photo Facts
Photo Type
Cabinet Card
Card Size
4.25" x 6.5"
Card Color
White
Card Edges
Straight Cut
Front Imprint
Deep Embossed
Back Imprint
None
Print Technology
Collodion
Each week a new photo case study typical of old family photographs is published.
These examples can help genealogists learn the skills that will help date their own photos.
An estimated date (if one is not available) is assigned a +/- number of years it could be. Dating old photos is a science that provides answers usually within 2 - 6 years of when the photo was taken.
The durability of many photographs from the 1890s forward is exhibited with this photo. Well over 100 years old, the image quality appears as if it was made yesterday.
The bright white card mount with a deeply embossed studio name and location is characteristic of very late 1890 cabinet cards. The back is blank, as was the style in that time frame.
This photo must have been stored away for many years as there are no scuff marks from handling.
Est. Date: 1898 +/- 1 Year
Studio Props
The background style of mid- to late-1890s studio photographs included a very soft image, blurred somewhat by focusing strictly on the subject. This is in contrast to the elaborate backdrops used in the 1880s, which may have included columns, buildings, and other complex scenes, which actually detracted from the subject.
In addition, the heavy upholstered studio chairs disappeared about this time, replaced with modern (for the time) furniture designs.
The fur rug on the floor was quite popular in the late 1890s also.
This studio photograph is an excellent example of composition, obviously crafted by an experienced photographer.
Imprint
In the late 1890s, card stock became very dense, so the layers did not separate as easily as previous cards. This allowed stamping deep imprints into the card. This imprint was so prominent, it did not require ink to stand out, though some did include coloring.
Clothes
Very young girls' clothes are difficult to date sometimes, however this dress does have some style elements from ladies' clothes of the era. The shoulders are very loose, adorned with layers of material, much like styles seen on adult women. Numerous examples can be seen in the Gallery.
You can become an expert at analyzing photographs.
Much of the information used to analyze this photograph is covered in the Identification section of this web site. In addition, comparison to similar yet dated photographs in the Gallery section will help confirm the estimates. Even greater detail, organized for this type of research is available in PhotoTree.com's books. Learn More.