Description

This cabinet card portrait depicts a young woman standing in a photographer’s studio, elegantly dressed in European attire with a high collar, decorative fitted bodice, lace-trimmed cuffs, jewelry, and a long skirt. She poses beside an ornamental pedestal against a painted woodland backdrop. The unusually accomplished full-length composition, direct gaze, and finely rendered costume give the portrait considerable presence.

The photograph was produced by S. Mahadeo & Son of Belgaum & Bangalore, an important Indian photographic studio active during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The handsome original studio mount is printed in dark green and gilt with the photographer’s name and locations.

The reverse bears a contemporary presentation inscription apparently reading, “Sincerely, H. Basiray [?] of Glen More, N.Y.” Glenmore was a small historic community in Annsville, Oneida County, New York. The inscription may identify the sitter or the person who presented the photograph, although the name has not been independently confirmed.

An especially attractive example of Indian studio portraiture, combining an elegant female subject, distinctive photographer’s mount, and an intriguing contemporary American-associated inscription.

Condition

Very good antique condition. The photographic image remains clear and well defined with strong tonal range and good detail. Minor age-related surface wear and light handling consistent with an early twentieth-century cabinet photograph. The original photographer’s mount shows minor wear, particularly at the edges and corners. Contemporary handwritten presentation inscription to the reverse. Please review photographs carefully as they form an integral part of the condition description.

References

British Library, Sykes Collection: Photographs and ciné films, Photo 1046. Collection includes photographs by S. Mahadeo and Sons, Belgaum.

British Library, Photo 1170: Postcards and Snapshots of India, including views published by S. Mahadeo and Son, Belgaum, ca. 1910.

Durant, Samuel W. History of Oneida County, New York: With Illustrations and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers. Philadelphia: Everts & Fariss, 1878. See “Village of Glenmore,” Annsville.

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