Why style of Dress do you think this is, plus do you think Theatre or Circus?

[xmelax38]

Hi my forum friends! I hope everyone had a nice holiday! I am posting a photo of a photo (ha ha). I was intrigued when I found this photograph. It is very interesting. I do still collect photos, but this one I am going to sell. I always sell to buy more.  I know about what year this photo is from not only because of it being a cabinet card photo but because of who the photographer was and the years he was in operation (about 1879-1884 or so).  I can't quite figure out what kind of dress that is (I don't think it is Edwardian style, but maybe I am wrong).  Also, do you think Theatre or Circus? I was thinking Theatre at first. 

Any suggestions/guesses appreciated.

[bigwull]

Don,t think itsa circus costume,..either  theatre, or Historical  Pageant

[xmelax38]

Thanks for that quick reply.  I thought maybe theatre, but was not quite sure.  I tried looking up old 19th Century Photos of Theatre actors, but I couldn't find anyone with a costume close to this. My concentration is horrible though. I just probably overlooked it.

[Dogaman]

xmelax,

I did a google search for "La Tour, Clark Street and Chicago Ave, Chicago" and got the Chicago History Museum. You might want to email them a copy of the pic and see if they can help.

http://chicagohistory.org/planavisit/visitorinformation/

Good Luck!

[greenacres]

It's ashame about corner being torn. These cards are collectible. EBAY has plenty. Isn't there writing on the back?  Ruby Lane is another site to check.

[mart]

My guess would be a theatrical performance of some sort !!  Court Jester

[icedgold10]

Interesting almost boarders on the Beefeater.

[KC]

Mart, my first impression was a Jester as well! 

[cogar]

Maybe Swiss or German "festival" celebrating clothes??   

[bigwull]

Mart, my first impression was a Jester as well! 

wrong kind of hat for a jester........

[Ipcress]

Some form of harlequin costume was my initial reaction. The pattern looks like dice

[KC]

I know Wullie...wrong kind of hat for what we term a jester.  HOWEVER...if you search jesters in history....they didn't wear the pointed/eared hats we all think of these days way back when.... SOme were even amazing athletes!!!


http://www.thenoodlebowl.com/jesters/pages/cont_europe.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester
http://www.alexthejester.com/html/historyPopup.html

But...still makes me initially think of one.  Agree it is most likely some historical/enactment/theatrical attire!

[auctionaddiction]

Very interesting! Thanks for the suggestions! I will use all of them. I appreciate them all, because it is a big help.  Definitely stuff I never thought of at all.

[auctionaddiction]

p.s. I agree about the corner of it. It is definitely torn (not all the say through), but mostly bent. I wish it was in better condition.  I almost thought of keeping this one, but there are some more I want, so I was going to sell it to be able to get more, ha ha. That is the way I do it a lot of times.  I am going back and forth on it.

Also, there isn't any writing on the back of it.

[bigwull]

I know Wullie...wrong kind of hat for what we term a jester.  HOWEVER...if you search jesters in history....they didn't wear the pointed/eared hats we all think of these days way back when.... SOme were even amazing athletes!!!


http://www.thenoodlebowl.com/jesters/pages/cont_europe.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jester
http://www.alexthejester.com/html/historyPopup.html

But...still makes me initially think of one.  Agree it is most likely some historical/enactment/theatrical attire!

Centre of the balcony...you..may know where this comes from.....but if not...ghopper should.....btw....h as he gone on his hols...