2002.88

Carte de visite, Blind man with medal

Groom's Photography Gallery

Philadelphia, PA

ca. 1865

Sepia-toned photo is mounted on a white card with a gilt double-line border. Photo shows a man standing next to a chair. His left hand is resting on the top of the chair, a cane is in his right, and his eyes are closed. He is dressed in a dark jacket, matching vest, white shirt, and light-colored pants. He appears to have a medal attached to the left side of his jacket. He has a well-trimmed beard and mustache and short hair. "H. Murrie" is handwritten in ink on the card, at bottom. "Groom's Photography Gallery, 2nd St. Above Spruce, Phila., Carte De Visite" is printed on the back, in a decorative backmark. In the center is a 1-cent proprietary stamp cancelled by Groom's, with date Feb 16, 1865. Number "19348" is written in pencil at bottom. "Mr. H. Murreie" [note different spelling] is handwritten in pencil at top. Slight foxing; 1/4 in. stain on photo background, extends to a portion of the man's right hand. Cartes de visite were popular during the Civil War era.

Groom's Photography Gallery

Card stock, paper

4 x 2 1/2 in.