NEW! Check Out Our Public Domain Photos and Photographers Database

Previous -- Next

Dating Portraits - Background Objects

The term "background" is used loosely here, as some of these objects may actually have been in the foreground, or held by the sitter. There are a wide variety of possible props, some of which were chosen to convey information about the sitter (tools of the trade, icons, etc.) while others seem to have been purely decorative.

Dating:

Darrah suggest that seated figures with accessories such as books, vases or urns date from 1860-70, furniture 1860-66.

Standing figure with balustrades or steps in the background - 1860-70

Standing figure with "rustic accessories" - 1875-85

Standing figure with "paper mache props" - 1875-88

Observations:

We will have to further study some of these criteria to see how reliable they may be. I would use them with caution for now.

Previous -- Next

Photohistory Home | Contact | Privacy and Policies | Feedback