This photograph which is dated 1894 on the back gives us a very good look at the style of the times. The card measures 3 1/4" x 4 1/2" and was one of the many new variety of photo cards that came into vogue in the 1890's. Note the small saw-tooth like edges. On the back of the photo the subject is identified as Grace "?". I'm not really sure of the last name, it could be Loude, Fonde, etc. As there is no photographer's mark or city it is next to impossible to identify her unless someone else can decipher the last name.
She is wearing a very stylish hat and a dress that was quite the style of the times with the very puffy upper sleeves and trim lowers. The dress has a high neckline and her bodice is very fitted right down to her trim waist. The hat itself is quite a masterpiece and appears to be made of satin and feathers. It gives her already impressive stature an additional measure of height.
I found only one Grace Sonde and one Grace Soude with more recent dates, so I'd forget those possibilities. Two "Toule." I found a multitude of "Grace Soule"s in New York, California, Maine, and Michigan (and on a passenger list for Hawaii).
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I'm not a fan of the hats of that time except as a curiosity. They always look like they might fall off at any moment.