I've always loved looking for 1860's vintage cdv's, tintypes and dagguereotypes when I visit antique shops. Back when I first began reenacting the Civil War era in the late 1990's, it was relatively easy to find images like this and they were still fairly cheap. These days prices have increased and images aren't quite so numerous. Therefore, I was extremely pleased to acquire this image a few months ago for the whopping price of $5.
It is a lovely, clear image with the earrings and buttons touched with gold. Faint pink was added to the cheeks. I admire the neat, precise fit of her bodice and sleeves, the simple but effective trim and the small white collar at her neckline. I would guess this to be wool dress based on the darted bodice style and the use of contrast trim, although I suppose it could just as easily be a non-shiny silk. It's a lovely example of a nice everyday dress.
There is no information about the sitter or photographer, sadly. I look at the face of the young woman and can't help but wonder about her life. Who was she? What did she experience? What was the occasion for this tintype being taken? How did it end up on the pleasantly cluttered shelves of a little antique and quilt shop in the midwest?
Now she sits in a place of honor in my sewing room. Inspiration for a future frock, motivation to fit a bodice as beautifully as hers!
Love,
Sarah
It is a lovely, clear image with the earrings and buttons touched with gold. Faint pink was added to the cheeks. I admire the neat, precise fit of her bodice and sleeves, the simple but effective trim and the small white collar at her neckline. I would guess this to be wool dress based on the darted bodice style and the use of contrast trim, although I suppose it could just as easily be a non-shiny silk. It's a lovely example of a nice everyday dress.
There is no information about the sitter or photographer, sadly. I look at the face of the young woman and can't help but wonder about her life. Who was she? What did she experience? What was the occasion for this tintype being taken? How did it end up on the pleasantly cluttered shelves of a little antique and quilt shop in the midwest?
Now she sits in a place of honor in my sewing room. Inspiration for a future frock, motivation to fit a bodice as beautifully as hers!
Love,
Sarah
