Friday, April 25, 2008

Photo of Brazilian Girl with Knitted Top sold for $760!


Ok - this is my last eBay auction post this week (smile!). Isn't this a lovely photo of a Black girl from Rio de Janeiro? Her name wasn't recorded on the photograph. This CDV or or carte de visite is by Alberto Henschel (1827 - 1882), a German photographer, who probably took this photograph sometime between 1870s and 1882, when he had a studio in Rio de Janeiro. The photo measures 2 1/2 inches by 4 inches. Carte de visites were popular in the late 1800s and were used much like a calling card or today's business card. These small, sturdy photos were collected (like baseball cards!) and could also be mailed.

I wonder if the portrait sitter knitted or crocheted her own blouse. The cowrie shells in her hair are stylish even today! You can click on the photo to see it close up. This eBay auction (item #330229125214) started at $44.77 on April 17. The ending price yesterday afternoon - $760! Enjoy!

2 comments:

Big Mama said...

Such a tiny picture, old, old, yet the detailing is still easily apparent. Interesting, Kyra

Anonymous said...

amazing! love your blog.