Cabinet portraits are photographic images mounted on a sturdy card stock, specifically using the cabinet card format, which was the primary method for photographic portraiture in America during the late 19th century.
At their core, cabinet portraits are simply photographs produced and presented in the specific dimensions and style of a cabinet card. Drawing directly from historical context, cabinet cards were America's main format for photographic portraiture through the last three decades of the 19th century. This means that if you had a photographic portrait taken during this period in America, it was very likely produced as a cabinet portrait.
These portraits typically featured individuals, couples, families, or groups and were commonly displayed in cabinets (hence the name) or photo albums.
The Rise and Impact of Cabinet Portraits
The popularity of cabinet portraits wasn't just about a format; it marked a significant shift in how people engaged with photography. Unlike earlier, more formal, and often expensive photographic methods like daguerreotypes or ambrotypes, cabinet cards made portraiture more accessible.
Key characteristics and impacts highlighted by their widespread use included:
- Accessibility: They were inexpensive compared to previous formats.
- Quantity: They were commonly sold by the dozen, making it easy to acquire multiple copies.
- Transformation of Practice: They transformed getting one's portrait made from a formal event taken up once or twice in a lifetime into a commonplace practice.
- Social Sharing: Their affordability and multiple copies facilitated sharing with family and friends, making them popular mementos.
This transition effectively democratized photographic portraiture, moving it from a rare luxury to a standard part of family life and social interaction in the late 19th century.
