19thc African American Woman Labor Portrait New England Albumen Photos PR

  

The elder domestic wears a homespun calico uniform that honestly harkens to stereotypical slavery dress. PR includes an unusual 3/4 length portrait and companion image which shows her employer reading aloud from the bible.

Race roles are very much in play here but we must recognize the sensitivity and inclusion of both the patron and photographer. Also note the better than average camera lighting in an attempt to honestly capture the domestic's skin tone. Unmounted albumen photographs (4.5 x 7.5) w/ scrapbook residue and water wrinkles.