… well that was invented in 1871 (haha) – BUT – back and forth between our fashion history blog where we are currently discussing the features of late-mid-Victorian fashion and the reasons there was a change or transition – AND – announcements regarding our historical interpreter’s division “The Buffalo Gals” who have just launched a new venture giving walking tours of historic downtown Cody, Wyoming.
We apologize for any confusion this jumping back and forth will cause, so here is an 1862 fashion photo we shall call “Hold Your Loved Ones Close”).
Not to miss an educational opportunity though – what do you see even in this child’s ensemble that indicates it to be the first of the mid-Victorian era? The large symmetrical skirt? (a child would have a “corded” petticoat using stiffener instead of a crinoline) Button up boots? Drop shoulders?
For us the real telltale hint to date this photo is the fact that a child named “Belle” is posing for a formal portrait – at a time the photograph (as opposed to the daguerotype that preceded photos) was very popular for people of all social classes.
Or.. perhaps it’s one of those “post mortem” photos the Victorians so loved propping their dead loved ones up on stands, and perhaps the young lady – or the dog – are not alive for this portrait at all! Bummer for a great day, but oh so 1860’s American!