- Background
- Studio Props
- Card Style
The analysis of this cabinet card reveals some characteristics that can be misleading.
More interesting is the content and the message wrote on the back.
Dating the Photo
Photograph dating techniques apply to most instances of a photograph style or content. There are always exceptions to a rule.
The woman is dressed in a domestic's uniform of the day. The hat is very common for house keepers of the day. Of course the broom, her 'tool of the trade' reinforces this. However, the uniform itself is not precisely datable.
Also, the card style and imprint actually are similar to mid 1880 cabinet cards. Even the backdrop is the style of the 1880s.
Belle Center, Ohio today is a very small town, and was very rural at the time of the picture. The photographer probably did not have the business to stay up to date with the latest card and photograph styles. This photograph was taken in 1894.
So, it is always important to consider all aspects of a photograph, including where it was taken.