Portrait of Infant “Rachel Kaiser” Reclining on Fur Studio Prop

Photograph

-

The Recorded Image Project

Name/Title

Portrait of Infant “Rachel Kaiser” Reclining on Fur Studio Prop

Entry/Object ID

RE-PH-2026-0114

Description

Studio portrait of an infant reclining against a fur-covered prop with handwritten identification.

Photograph Details

Type of Photograph

Gelatin Print - silver bromide

Category

baby, Late Victorian

Made/Created

Studio

Unknown

Date made

circa 1895 - circa 1905

Place

Continent

North America

Notes

Fur-draped studio furniture was a popular prop in late Victorian portraiture, adding texture and tonal contrast while symbolizing warmth and domestic comfort. The relaxed reclining pose became increasingly fashionable around the turn of the century as photographers sought more naturalistic child representations.

Ethnography

Notes

American; late Victorian to early Edwardian child portraiture reflecting middle-class studio conventions and commemorative family photography practices.

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Date Examined

Mar 9, 2026

Notes

• Minor surface speckling • Slight mount wear • Light tonal fading consistent with age • Handwritten ink remains clear and legible

General Notes

Note Type

Description

Note

This cabinet card portrait depicts an infant identified as Rachel Kaiser reclining against a fur-covered studio prop. The soft textures, pastoral backdrop, and relaxed pose exemplify evolving child portrait conventions at the turn of the twentieth century. The handwritten identification enhances the photograph’s historical and genealogical significance, transforming it from a generic studio portrait into a personal commemorative object.

Create Date

March 10, 2026