Antique Clothing Experts!

[ghopper1924]

I uncovered this BEHIND another picture in a gilt frame from ca. 1890. This portrait of a boy looks to be painted or tinted in watercolor. Currently I do not have access to the portrait, so this one picture will have to do.

My question: Is this outfit from ca. 1890? Earlier? Later? I'm trying to get a bead on how old it is, and clothing is frequently a good way to do that.

THANKS!!

PS. Sorry about the sideways image....don't know what happened there, or how to fix it.

[Ipcress]

I’d have said earlier, maybe 1870, but I’m not expert on Victorian clothes

[ghopper1924]

I’d have said earlier, maybe 1870, but I’m not expert on Victorian clothes

I believe that the chenille work that covered this portrait is ca.1890, so it makes sense that the portrait would be earlier. Someone must not have thought much of the portrait to cover it up like that, but I think it was executed with some talent.

Thanks Ipcress!

[KC]

Ha!  I have covered many photos over the years with new photos just because of people aging and/or nedig a frame - not that they weren't treasured.  (If it wasn't, they would have trashed it.)

The outfit resembles a "regency style skeleton suit" HOWEVER it isn't!  Skeleton suits had white collars.  Skeleton suits were worn by boys, after wearing young "children's clothing" (which most thought were all girlie attire) and before wearing men's suits.  HOWEVER - the collars were generally white!

In the very late 1800's "rompers" or dress shirt pictures were popular up until the 1940.  The style of the collar and hair (parted on side) reflects 1900 to 1930's as shown in this ad for 1910 and
a family photo from 1929 (the only reason the hair isn't parted is because the hair was so fine they said even motor grease wouldn't have kept it parted!  LOL).

[KC]

https://fashion-history.lovetoknow.com/fashion-history-eras/history-childrens-clothing

Here's another one from 1890

[ghopper1924]

Wow, great digging, KC. A point for you!!

[Ipcress]

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/565553665682766268/

[ghopper1924]

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/565553665682766268/

Great link! Thanks Ipcress!!

[KC]

The style is similar to the photo in question...however, white collars were still the standard in 1870 and typically a "shirt collar" like the picture shows.  The picture in question does not have a shirt collar which typically came into style in/around 1890.

[Rauville]

Just a sidenote that I found interesting:
In regard to the picture in question, I remember reading that some limner artists would use an unique technique to hasten the sitting procedure. They would travel with several pre-painted canvas / boards with the torso or body and clothing already completed, and then just add the subject’s head and features. Thus its possible a portrait may portray clothing that is merely the result of someone’s artistic license.

[KC]

Whoa!  Hadn't heard of that one!  Had heard backgrounds were done with a rough area left open for the sitter!