Sunday, June 10, 2007

Thomas Nevin's studio decor and tints ca.1871

This full length portrait in carte-de-visite format is of an unidentified woman. As the same carpet appears in the Nevin-Day wedding photograph dated July 1871, this photo can be dated ca. 1869-72. The verso bears Thomas Nevin's everyday business stamp which was an elaboration of the stamp used by his mentor, and previous owner of the studio, Alfred Bock.



Scans courtesy © The Private Collection of C. G. Harrisson 2006. ARR.

A consistent feature of Thomas Nevin's cartes-de-visites taken of private clients and family members in this studio at 140 Elizabeth St. Hobart Town circa 1871 is delicate hand-tinting. The detail (below) of the flower arrangement shows a fine touch. 



Other recurrent elements from these studio portraits include the carpet patterned with an alternate chain and lozenge motif, the painted wall hanging with Italianate tiling and balcony giving onto a river scene, a very shiny lounge chair, and a table with carved legs in the shape of griffins.

Scans courtesy © The Private Collection of C. G. Harrisson 2006. ARR.


On board the "City of Hobart" 31st January 1872