A cabinet card is a type of photographic print mounted on cardboard that was popular from the 1860s to the early 1900s. The cabinet card was named after its large size, which was typically around 4.25 by 6.5 inches. These cards were often used for portrait photography and were a common way for people to display images of themselves and their loved ones.
Cabinet cards were a significant advancement in photography because they were more durable and easier to display than earlier types of photographs. The cabinet card era marked a shift towards more formal and posed portraits, as opposed to the candid and relaxed styles that had been popular before. Studios would often have a variety of backdrops and props for people to choose from when having their portrait taken.
Cabinet cards provide valuable insights into the fashion, hairstyles, and social customs of the time period in which they were taken. They are now highly sought after by collectors and historians who appreciate their historical and aesthetic value.
Image by Ai Junkie