NUDE WOMAN IN CHAINS, CIRCA 1870
CARTE DE VISITE (CDV) $400. USD
This unsigned CDV depicts a nude young woman in chains. She sits on a stone wall overgrown with plants. The composition is balanced by the painted scene at right, which includes a small house surrounded by trees.
We assume the message of this photograph is allegorical. As the poet R.S.C. ruminated on The Greek Slave, by Hiram Powers, in The Knickerbocker Magazine: "Naked, yet clothed with chastity, she stands; And as a shield throws back the sun's hot rays, Her modest mien repels each vulgar gaze. Her inborn purity of soul demands Freedom from touch of sacrilegious hands..."
DATE. Circa 1870, as indicated by the mount.
SIZE. Approximately 4 1/8 x 2 7/16 inches.
CONDITION. Photo: A thin diagonal line on her knee at right. When tilted, some scuff marks and/or spots on apparent. Mount: Wear at corners and along top edge. Soiling on front and back. Back also has old paper affixed at each corner.
APPEARANCE. Nice lighting. Very good tones. Excellent composition.