A trio of antique cabinet card photographs with deckled mount edges, depicting Portsmouth, New Hampshire theatrical and costume subjects across two photographers.
The first, by Davis Bros. of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, depicts a woman in a full-length costume comprising a large wired bonnet and a voluminous cape, posed before a painted outdoor backdrop. A penciled inscription on the verso reads "Old Woman [illegible] Picnic, Jan. 1 and 2, 1889." The second, by L.V. Newell & Co., 31 Congress St., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, depicts two women posed together, one in masculine dress including a bowler hat and fitted coat and carrying an umbrella, the other in feminine dress with an elaborately trimmed hat; a penciled inscription on the verso reads "Blanche & Louise [illegible]." The third, also by L.V. Newell & Co., depicts a young woman in a theatrical peasant costume of dark bodice with laced front, white blouse, tiered skirt, and white cap, posed before an architectural studio backdrop; the verso is inscribed "Cora W. Barnabee, as Javotte, in Ermine. Aug. 18, 19, 1891."
Photographed by Davis Bros., Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and L.V. Newell & Co., Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Condition includes toning, foxing, and soiling across all three mounts, with a rust stain and puncture to the mount of the first card consistent with prior pin or tack attachment.
