This week's tintype features a young baby probably about 3-4 months old in a christening gown. Both the type of chair and flooring clue me in that this photo was taken some time in the 1860's. The sweet little tyke is chubby faced and alert and I'm sure the child's mother treasured this photograph of her child. Too bad, once again that there is no identification.
Many months ago I ran across someone's blog who featured portraits of babies with an "invisible mother," some covered hint of an arm or hand holding a baby securely for the photographer. I wonder if you have that here. Does that look like a covered arm to the right reaching across the chair to hold that baby in place?
ReplyDeleteI believe you are most definitely right, Wendy, I was in a hurry when I posted this and forget to mention that. They also used "holders" (not sure what else to call them) forms made out of metal or wood that propped children up to hold them still but was usually used on older babies and toddlers. I always appreciate your comments!!
DeleteI agree, I suspect I read the same photoblog, and I now see the "hidden mother" in a lot of baby pictures. A practical solution to a common photographer's problem. This one is disguised but I'd bet mother is covered in a black drape on the right.
ReplyDeleteI love this photo and I'm sure it was treasured! I'm in the process of starting my own blog about my unknown photos. They deserve to be appreciated :)
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