Antique Ballarat CDV – Victorian Lady – H.H. Roberts Photographer, Sturt St – c.1875–85

Original 19th century Victorian carte-de-visite portrait of an unidentified young woman, photographed by H.H. Roberts, Sturt Street, Ballarat, Victoria.

The sitter is dressed in typical late Victorian style, wearing a fitted buttoned bodice with lace front, lace cuffs, and a decorative fastening at the throat. She has an elaborate braided and coiled hairstyle worn high at the back with ribbon, and wears long drop earrings. She is posed with her arms resting on an ornate studio chair against a plain draped backdrop.

The reverse features a printed studio backmark with royal arms device and “By Special Appointment”, followed by:

H.H. ROBERTS

PHOTOGRAPHER

STURT ST.

BALLARAT

Beneath is the printed note “Copies may be had by sending name & number.” The photographer’s reference number “No. 6134” is handwritten below. The backmark also credits printer F.W. Niven.

Costume, hairstyle, and jewellery indicate a date of c.1875–1885.

Provenance: From the Ferguson family photograph album, alongside other Victorian and Tasmanian CDVs. The sitter is unidentified and not confirmed as a member of the Ferguson family.

Details:

• Original Victorian CDV

• Unidentified young woman

• Photographer: H.H. Roberts, Sturt Street, Ballarat

• c.1875–1885

• Braided Victorian hairstyle

• Long drop earrings

• Lace-trimmed dress

• Studio chair portrait

• Printed backmark with royal arms and “By Special Appointment”

• Reference number 6134

• Printed by F.W. Niven

• Ferguson family album provenance

Condition:

Good original antique condition with fading, light foxing, and general age wear. Small area of surface disturbance to left of sitter. Card remains sound and backmark is well preserved. Please refer to images for full condition.

Attractive colonial Victorian portrait with strong Ballarat photographic and historical interest.

Combined postage available where practical.

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