ca. 1855-95, [carte de visite portrait of a gentleman of slight stature in military dress], John A. Winberg via the Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Carl Mautz Collection

ca. 1855-95, [carte de visite portrait of a gentleman of slight stature in military dress], John A. Winberg

via the Yale Collection of Western Americana, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Carl Mautz Collection

ca. 1881, [carte de visite portrait of Lucia Zarate], the London Stereoscopic Co. Lucia Zarate was genuinely one of the smallest human beings ever recorded…During her period in London she appeared before Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on February 26, 1881. Handwritten on verso:  “Greatest Wonder of the Age! Señorita Lucia Zarate, This young lady is 18 years of age, and weighs only 4¾ pounds. Is perfect in form and feature.” via the Museum of the History of Science

ca. 1881, [carte de visite portrait of Lucia Zarate], the London Stereoscopic Co.

Lucia Zarate was genuinely one of the smallest human beings ever recorded…During her period in London she appeared before Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace on February 26, 1881.

Handwritten on verso:  “Greatest Wonder of the Age! Señorita Lucia Zarate, This young lady is 18 years of age, and weighs only 4¾ pounds. Is perfect in form and feature.”

via the Museum of the History of Science

"Until the handkerchief of history covers us with its Times New Roman black and white post script..."

This blog is a collection of vernacular photography and ephemera focused mainly within the curious and often misunderstood realm of 19th century America. I have a soft spot for all things silly, antiquated, macabre, and grotesque. The content is from a variety of collections; public, academic, and private. In addition, there's an occasional emphasis on Ulysses S Grant and the Civil War, as well.

About - Archive - F.A.Q. - Inquiries - Content Sourcing - Photo Guide

Browse by Photograph Type: Tintypes, Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, Carte de visites, Albumen prints, Cabinet cards, Silver prints

Popular Tags: Black history, Medicine, Emotive, Post Mortem, Occupational, Civil War, The Original Hipsters, Spirit photography, Circus, Sideshow

Additional Tags: Children, Pets, Dogs, Painted backdrop, Photo-manipulation, Cross-dressing, Hidden mother, Couples, Women, Advertising, Hand-tinted, Erotic, Studio, Firemen, Science, Facial hair, Eyes, Religion, Beard, Fashion, Music, Trick photography, Photographic History, Guns, Weapons, Beer, Wine, Instruments, Lookout Mountain, Ulysses S. Grant

My Other Blogs & Websites: Heck Yes, Americana - Fuck Yeah, American Art - Architectural Indulgences - Decorative Indulgences - Etsy