Infant in Long Christening Gown on Ornate Settee — Lothrop & Cunningham Studio Portrait

Photograph

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

Infant in Long Christening Gown on Ornate Settee — Lothrop & Cunningham Studio Portrait

Entry/Object ID

RE-PH-2026-0107

Description

Formal studio portrait of an infant seated on an ornate upholstered settee wearing a long christening gown.

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

Albumen Print

Category

baby, christening, Victorian

Made/Created

Studio

Lothrop & Cunningham

Date made

circa 1885 - circa 1895

Time Period

Victorian

Place

State/Province

Rhode Island

Continent

North America

Notes

Lothrop & Cunningham operated multi-city studios in two important New England industrial centers. Lowell, Massachusetts was a major textile manufacturing hub with a dense working- and middle-class population, while Providence, Rhode Island was a thriving port and industrial city. Multi-location studios were typically successful operations serving large regional markets. Their advertising emphasized speed (“instantaneously”) and artistic services such as enlargement and crayon portrait enhancements — hallmarks of competitive late-Victorian photography businesses. Ornate backmarks like this were designed to project professionalism and artistic prestige.

Ethnography

Notes

American; late 19th-century infant portraiture reflecting Victorian ceremonial dress traditions and formal studio presentation.

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Backmark / Imprint Details Elaborate illustrated studio advertisement featuring floral motifs, banners, and typography. Text includes: “Lothrop & Cunningham Photographic Art Studios” “All Work Made Instantaneously” “Pictures of any description copied and enlarged in crayon or India ink” “Duplicates can be had at any time” Locations listed: Lowell, Mass. and Providence, R.I.

Condition

Overall Condition

Fair

Date Examined

Mar 8, 2026

Notes

• Moderate fading typical of albumen process • Light surface abrasions • Minor mount discoloration • Slight contrast loss • Backmark remains clear and legible

General Notes

Note Type

Historical Note

Note

Infant portraiture became increasingly popular in the late nineteenth century as photography became more affordable. Long white gowns were traditionally used for christenings and formal presentations, symbolizing purity and family prosperity. Studio furniture was often highly decorative to create a sense of refinement and permanence. Cabinet cards allowed families to distribute portraits among relatives and compile them into albums documenting childhood milestones.

Create Date

March 9, 2026