Carte-de-Visite of a Woman Wearing a Walking Dress, 1850s

This full-length photograph illustrates a walking dress with a skirt supported by a cage crinoline and a fitted basque bodice with an open sleeve. The outfit is accessorized with white undersleeves, leather gloves, a bonnet, and a narrow paisley scarf. The bonnet is trimmed on the inside brim and is tied with a two-tone ribbon. A black lace mantilla is artfully arranged over the crown of the bonnet.

Carte-de-visites served as calling cards. They became popular in the beginning of the mid-1850s, reaching the peak of their popularity in the 1860s.

Carte-de-visite, Paper