Smiling African-American Female Image - EBay

[markj]

Very interesting and unusual image. The woman's dress certainly suggests a reasonably prosperous background--perhaps a Philadelphia merchant or tradesman's wife?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-TINTYPE-OF-A-PRETTY-SMILING-AFRICAN-AMERICAN-LADY_W0QQitemZ110168706862QQihZ001QQcategoryZ408QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Danny]

Re: Smiling African-American Female Image - EBay

Very interesting and unusual image. The woman's dress certainly suggests a reasonably prosperous background--perhaps a Philadelphia merchant or tradesman's wife?Regards,

Mark Jaeger

Mark -

I attach that photo for the record here.

Isn't it more likely, given the vintage, that the woman is a head servant in the household of a prosperous merchant or tradesman? Not from a prosperous background herself but in representing the household socially she is well-dressed and well-treated. By the look of her I would also say well-loved. I don't see anything in the picture itself suggesting Philidelphia or any other Northern locale - Southerners were known as well for their opulence.

I would guess not married to her employer as that was not well looked-upon. Rings on fingers were at the time not necessarily indicating married status, though she could have a husband.

- Dan Wykes

[DJCasey]

Re: Smiling African-American Female Image - EBay

I believe Mr. Jaeger is refering to the back of the the photo stating that the studio was in Philidelphia to come to the norther conclusion.