Offered here is an original antique Italian cabinet card photograph featuring an older gentleman with a large mustache, wearing a dark suit and bow tie. The front mount reads “Formato Gabinetto,” the Italian cabinet card format designation.
The reverse has a beautiful decorative “Souvenir” design featuring a lighthouse, flowers, rocks, and beams of light over water. There is also a purple photographer or studio stamp that appears to reference Sorrento, Italy, with the address line including Corso Umberto I. The exact studio name is partially difficult to read, so please review the photos closely.
Lighthouse artwork • floral border • “Souvenir” design • Sorrento / Italy studio stamp • cabinet card portrait
Antique pre-owned condition with visible age-related wear. The front shows toning, foxing/spotting, fading, small surface marks, edge wear, corner wear, and wear to the black border area. The portrait remains visible and presentable with nice facial detail.
The reverse shows toning, spotting, corner/edge wear, creasing near the upper right, and surface wear to the decorative printed design. The purple studio stamp is partially readable but somewhat faded. Please review all photos carefully, as they are part of the condition description. Sold exactly as shown.
Antique cabinet cards with decorative backs and identifiable regional studio markings are desirable to collectors of early photography, Italian ephemera, genealogy material, travel souvenirs, and cabinet card portraiture. This example stands out because of the Sorrento / Italy connection, the bold mustached gentleman portrait, and the striking lighthouse-themed souvenir back.
Subject is unidentified. Studio/stamp details are read to the best of my ability from the visible markings. Date is an estimate based on cabinet card format, mount style, and photographic presentation.