1 OCCASION

If these ancestors were married, then this photo may have been taken to record a second or third wedding or, more likely, a milestone anniversary.

2 OLDER SUBJECTS

Older ancestors often wore modest dark clothes that reflected prevailing fashion but conveyed a dignified, ‘timeless’ quality deemed appropriate to their age.

3EUROPEAN3 EUROPEAN FASHION

Modern Western fashion was universal by the late 1800s, so although minor regional variations might exist, these smart city outfits would resemble other European urban styles.

4 DRESS SLEEVES

A major fashion dating clue is the lady’s puffed leg-of-mutton sleeves. This particular sleeve shape peaked c1896c1896–1898 but she may be behind the latest trends, so I would estimate a wider date range of 1896–1902.

5 STUDIO LOCATION

Adolf Héron operated studios in various locations, but the printed details confirm that this photo originated in Rotterdam – important evidence indicating these ancestors’ likely place of residence.