YOUR QUESTIONS
With our experts Jayne Shrimpton, Mike Sharpe, Mary Evans & David Frost
Our experts help to solve some puzzling research predicaments
Although it is usually possible to discern the original photographic quality underlying the likeness, especially in respect of the subject’s face, sometimes the re-touching or over-painting of the figure and clothing was inexpert, to say the least. An untrained eye and/ or unaccomplished hand no doubt explain the odd appearance of certain features here, including your ancestor’s implausible shoulder line, her skewed bodice fastening and basic-looking floral corsage – all features supposed to enhance the original, accurate rendition but, as you say, that look almost as though they have been badly edited or added as an afterthought. On the one hand, this is undoubtedly an imperfect portrait, but it reflects reality and accords well with late-victorian photographic and artistic practices. Photographed originally between 1880 and 1890, this ancestor was probably a married lady and I would put her age at around 40-50 years of age. She may well have been pictured to commemorate a landmark birthday. I hope this answers your queries and that my comments help with identifying this female forebear. JS