Antique photography studio portrait man Raphaël Bouquet Guise vintage

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

An antique cabinet photograph, depicting a bust portrait of a moustached and bearded man, dressed in a dark jacket, a white shirt, and a matching waistcoat. The black and white image, with sepia tones, features a slightly faded effect around the silhouette, typical of late 19th-century portraits. The subject is in a three-quarter pose, looking at the camera, with a sober and composed expression.

The photographic print is mounted on thick cardstock, with a visible light-colored border, likely cream or ivory, and a clean margin all around the print. At the bottom of the card, the printed inscription "RAPHAEL BOUQUET" on the left and "GUISE" on the right is clearly visible, indicating the photographer's name and the studio's city, valuable information for the authenticity and attribution of the photograph.

The subject's clothing style, the beard cut, and the technical execution of the portrait are characteristic of the 1880-1900 period, confirming the dating of the cabinet portrait process. The entire piece is displayed on a wooden surface, in front of a bookcase filled with antique books, which highlights the decorative and historical aspect of the photograph.

The surface of the photo shows some age-related marks, such as slight stains and an even patina, without affecting the readability of the portrait. No frame or additional markings are visible on the displayed side. The overall condition remains visually consistent with a period piece used in a cabinet of curiosities or as vintage decoration.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Shows slight signs of age (small stains, superficial patina), typical of antique photographs mounted on cardboard.

Did you know? The "cabinet" format became popular from the 1860s for photographic portraits, allowing for better detail quality and an elegant presentation on cardboard. Regional studios, such as Raphaël Bouquet's in Guise, often offered these portraits to the local bourgeoisie, marking an important step in the democratization of photography in France.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: antique portrait, cabinet photo, 19th-century photography, mounted print, Raphaël Bouquet studio, Guise, cabinet of curiosities, vintage photo, antique photograph, old men's portrait, old photo France, library decoration