Posted 6 years ago
freiheit
(1223 items)
I saw this picture yesterday and when I picked it up to look at it, my husband said: Absolutely not! I concluded that he didn't like it, so I put it down and walked away. We went back to the same store today and the picture was still there waiting for me. I guess the little child (I am inclined to call it a girl, but I am not totally convinced) somehow softened my husband's position and he was open to have another look at it. To make a long story short, the child came home with us.
The frame has some condition issues but because I hung it up high on the wall, the damage is barely visible. The photo itself is in pretty good condition. There is a signature in the front but I cannot say for sure what the name is. It looks to me like Smitt. Because I am not familiar with old photographic processes, I don't know what kind of photograph it is. The photo is rather large: I would guess it is somewhere around the neighborhood of 8 X 10". I should have taken the measurements before hanging it all the way up on the wall.
Based on the condition, the clothing of the child, and some examples I saw on line, I would date the photograph to the late 1800's.
Anny comments or information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for looking:)
Looks like an enlargement that has the details enhanced through painting. Many studios offered this and it was popular.
The process dates from the late 19th century-- your image looks to date from about the 1880s- 90s.
scott
Scottvez, thanks so much for your comment. I figured that it would be about the same time frame you mentioned. Your comment about the enlargement would also make sense because of the message on the back of the photograph. I can make out only a few words but I get the sense that the photograph was given to someone as a gift at a later time.
Many thanks for loving my old photo, AdeleC:)
Sweet little child painting, looks very nice among your other pictures (love those romantic dancers)
Thanks so much for your comment, Newfld. The painting of the dancers I bought a few years ago directly from the artist while on vacation. Every time I look at it, I am reminded of the great time I had:)
Thanks a lot,
Newfld and Mrstyndall:)
Many thanks for loving my picture, fortapache and Newfld:)
Thank you for the love, TassiDevil and fortapache:)
Thanks so much, ho2cultcha and vetraio50 :)