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Up for sale is an incredibly rare, museum-quality antique Victorian portrait photograph captured by pioneering American photographer Abraham Bogardus at his legendary New York City studio.
Dating to the circa 1876–1884 timeframe, the front of the heavy stock card features a magnificent novelty composition of two prize Old English Bulldogs (or early Boston Terrier lineage) posed on a plush, ornate French upholstery armchair. One dog wears a wide, brass-studded leather collar while resting its chin heavily on the armrest, while its companion sits alertly beside it. The bottom front margin features the title "THE TWO ORPHANS," a charming period parody named after the famous 1870s Broadway theater play.
The reverse side of the mount delivers outstanding historical authenticity, featuring a gorgeous, brilliant gilt-embossed/gold-foil photography studio emblem reading:
- Logo text: "BOGARDUS SOUVENIR CO., 872 Broadway cor. 18th St., New York" (set inside an ornate bouquet graphic).
- Handwritten Provenance: Features an upside-down vintage pencil signature identifying a previous historic owner: "Stella Cristin".
Features & Condition:
- Photographer/Studio: Abraham Bogardus & Co. (872 Broadway, New York City)
- Era: Victorian Era (Circa 1876–1884)
- Subject: Novelty theatrical parody portrait of two prize English Bulldogs named "The Two Orphans"
- Format: Heavy original Victorian cabinet card mount featuring a brilliant gilt backstamp
- Condition: Very good antique condition. The front print retains beautiful crisp central focus, great clarity across the dogs' features, and deep, honest sepia tones. The reverse side features a wonderfully intact, bright gold logo display. The mount shows typical light edge wear, soft corner rounding, and natural age-appropriate foxing/toning appropriate for a 140+ year old photographic artifact.
Shipping & Packaging Protection:
To preserve its excellent antique condition and historic integrity, this historic cabinet card will be shipped with extreme care. It will be securely sandwiched flat between two sturdy pieces of thick cardboard and mailed out inside a rigid, bend-resistant cardboard mailer to fully guarantee safe transit to your doorstep.
