There is something truly heart-melting about this lovely Victorian child portrait. Captured in **1891 by the J. Strauss Studio of St. Louis**, this cabinet card preserves a moment of quiet childhood charm, made all the more special by the little girl’s delightful **Kate Greenaway–inspired dress**.

Her frock, with its soft gathers, high waistline, and playful printed motif, reflects the enormously popular Greenaway style that swept children’s fashion in the late 19th century. Inspired by the beloved English illustrator **Kate Greenaway**, these dresses emphasized innocence, comfort, and a nostalgic return to earlier, simpler silhouettes — a look beautifully embodied here.

The young sitter stands confidently beside a rustic studio prop, her dark boots peeking beneath the full skirt, while the ornate painted backdrop frames her with gentle Victorian elegance. Her softly curled hair and direct gaze give the portrait a warmth that feels remarkably modern despite its age.

The mount verso confirms the St. Louis origin and proudly notes that the negative was preserved for future use — a wonderful period detail collectors appreciate.

**A particularly appealing example for:**

* Victorian photograph collectors
* Kate Greenaway fashion enthusiasts
* nursery and cottage décor
* primitive and farmhouse displays
* childhood ephemera collections

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## **Details**

* **Date:** 1891
* **Photographer:** Otto, St. Louis
* **Format:** Cabinet card
* **Subject:** Young girl in Kate Greenaway–style dress
* **Mount:** Cream mount with printed studio imprint
* **Condition:** Very good antique condition with gentle age toning and light surface wear consistent with age. Please review photos carefully.

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## **Collector’s Note**

By the 1880s–1890s, the influence of Kate Greenaway’s storybook illustrations had profoundly shaped children’s clothing on both sides of the Atlantic. Cabinet cards like this — where the fashion clearly reflects that aesthetic — are especially sought after for their crossover appeal between photography and fashion history.

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This is a pair of early 20th-century valentines, mailed separately yet preserved together by time and chance. Both were sent in February of 1900, addressed to the same recipient, and remarkably, both remain in their original envelopes—a detail far less common than the cards alone.

The valentines themselves are typical of the period: delicately printed, softly colored, and meant to charm rather than astonish. One features a youthful figure framed by florals, the other a romantic oval vignette surrounded by blue blossoms—pleasant, familiar designs that would have been affordable and widely available at the turn of the century.

What elevates this set is the complete postal history:

Original envelopes with clear postmarks dated February 1900

Addressed in period handwriting to the same individual

One envelope appears to be made from heavier paper, possibly hand-folded and glued, suggesting either a homemade envelope or a thrifty adaptation—very much in keeping with the era’s “make do” sensibility

This was a time when nothing was wasted. Stationery was reused, paper was folded and repurposed, and even simple valentines were given care and intention. These envelopes quietly reflect that mindset.

Condition Notes:
• Cards show gentle age toning and minor edge wear consistent with over 120 years of survival
• Envelopes show folds, soft creases, and handling marks, all appropriate to their age
• Overall condition is honest, stable, and unaltered

This pair would appeal to collectors of antique ephemera, postal history, early valentines, or Edwardian paper goods, as well as those drawn to small, human stories preserved in ink and paper.

A modest set at first glance—yet rich in context, continuity, and quiet charm.

Size of the valentines: 4-1/2″ x 6-1/2″

A hand written message, dated 2-11-1911, extending birthday wishes to brother from his sister. Postmarked Feb 13, 1911.

Condition is nice with normal handling one would expect.

A striking and rare hand-colored theatrical photograph dating to the early Edwardian era, depicting a costumed stage performer in a boldly modern pose — cigarette in hand — and richly tinted attire. Presented on its original card mount and accompanied by period handwritten inscriptions, this evocative image offers a vivid glimpse into turn-of-the-century theater culture and feminine independence.
This exceptional antique theatrical photograph dates to circa 1901, as confirmed by the handwritten inscription on the reverse dated December 7, 1901. The image portrays a woman seated confidently in theatrical costume — plumed hat, velvet jacket, fitted stockings, and cane — captured in a moment of poised ease while smoking, a striking and unconventional motif for the era.

The photograph has been carefully hand colored, lending warmth and depth to the costume and lending the figure a lifelike, painterly quality. The surface bears the subtle tonal variations and soft patina expected of early hand-tinted photographic work.

Printed on its original card mount, the image bears the photographic credit:

“Negative made with Goerz Double Anastigmat Series III No. 6”
— a high-quality professional lens widely used by serious photographers at the turn of the century.

Of special note are the period handwritten inscriptions, which add personal and theatrical provenance:

Front (lower mount):
“Compliments of Jessie May Hall ‘Lovers’”

Reverse:
“To dear Mrs. Lissia,
With Love,
Marion
Dec. 7, 1901”

These inscriptions suggest the photograph was likely given as a personal keepsake or promotional memento, possibly connected to a stage production titled “Lovers.”

Altogether, this piece stands as a rare survivor of early theatrical history — expressive, intimate, and quietly daring — ideal for collectors of:

Antique theater and stage memorabilia

Edwardian photography

Early hand-colored photographs

Women’s history and performance ephemera

Good antique condition consistent with age. Light surface wear, gentle toning, and minor marks to the card mount, all in keeping with a well-preserved early 20th-century photographic artifact. Hand coloring remains visible and expressive. Inscriptions are clear and legible.

Photographs of this type were commonly used as presentation and souvenir pieces at the turn of the century, allowing performers to share their professional image while offering a personal keepsake to friends, patrons, or admirers — a practice that beautifully bridges public performance and private sentiment.

No address or such on the back of the card. Style of clothing looks to be about 1910 – 1912.

The postcard is unused. No markings as to company etc. Very nice condition.

It is my understanding this multi task pencil container was also a calulator figuring multiplication but this portion of the performance does not work. Evidently the sleeve of the lower colorful part of the case turned revealing numbers on the brass circles which are display on blue diagonally band. Now if this was the exact way, I am not sure.

So …. this neat pencil case is as it is, but oh my, still worthy of much enjoyment just for its great graphics from a time long ago.

Height of the case is 8-3/4″ tall. Diameter: 1-3/8″

As children are not too careful, you will find the usual nicks and bends. Overall the litho of the container is presentable.

Although the box, as well as the valentine, does have issues, with some fussing it still could be enjoyed.

So here is what I have found: The label on the end of the box, itself is marked Art Novelty, No. 1558. Pink.

As you note the box is in poor condition. In pencil someone has dated 1913 on the cardboard box. On the bottom of the cardboard, a decorative paper doily forms a picture frame which is separated from the rest of the valentine.

The fancy parchment paper is tinted with pink, accented with puffed pink silk. The valentine would have hung from a narrow rope braid at the top.

At the very center of this pretty work, the pop out valentine of a young girl is featured. Sitting in a basket of flowers she is extending a valentine envelope.

This pop up was at one time secured to the parchment with a paper tab which has been torn loose. There is also damage to one of the cardboard tabs of the pop up.

In pencil someone has dated the fancy parchment with pop up of the child 1912. Being of two different dates, did the box and paper doily belong to another valentine? With the parchment and pop up valentine being another year? It begs of question or did someone just mismark the dates?

So it is being sold AS IS for what it is. However, I would like to think with a bit of glue etc it could be historically enjoyed.

Let me add, the silk and parchment paper is in very clean nice shape. Cardboard with paper doily has issues as would be expected.

Size including the box is 12″ long x 8″ wide.
Additional photos available. Please message for more.