I’ve been really loving finding interesting cabinet cards recently which has been a great break from my CDV collection. This one was gifted to me in March by my love as I mentioned I really wanted more theatrical portraits for my growing cabinet card section.
Believed to be a portrait of a costumed gentleman taken in Paterson’s Photography studio in Glasgow Scotland, the Victorians during the 1880’s and 1890’s absolutely loved a fancy dress ball, or even dressing up as theatrical and historical figures. This portrait definitely inspires themes of The Ace of Spades, a personification of the playing card that could be from a party, a theatrical performance or even a gathering like a masquerade ball or large social event.
I’m really drawn to the costume design choices here, with the ruffles and rococo style elements giving this almost romantic style.