Photograph of Clare Billings, 1890s

The young woman pictured here is Clare Billings, the daughter of a toy and music shop owner in Providence, Rhode Island. Clare’s ensemble suggests that the photograph was taken in the late 1890s. She wears a bodice with tight-fitting sleeves that begin with puffs at the shoulder and end with frills at the wrist. The stand-up collar and ruffled yoke draw attention to her youthful face. Clare wears an elaborate hat that coordinates with her dress. During the 1890s soft short bangs and small topknots were popular, along with loose short hair around the temples.

Printed on the cardboard matte below the photograph: "Elite - A - Graph / Protected by Law"