Tomasini, Louis (1845-1899) (2 of 2)
/Bradley & Rulofson studio Portrait Photograph of
Louis Tomasini and Rosalia (Rosalie) DeMartin Tomasini
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
Photographic Studio: Bradley & Rulofson, 429 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, California. Henry William Bradley (1813-1891) opened a photographic studio in San Francisco in 1850 and in 1860 took on his partner William Rulofson (1826-1876). Their studio was considered by many to be the best in California. Bradley retired in 1878.
THE SITTERS:
Names: Louis Tomasini and Rosalia (Rosalie) DeMartin Tomasini
Description: In this cabinet card, Louis Tomasini sits in a one-armed, studio chair and looks directly forward. His left arm is on the armrest and his right fist, with his index finger extended, is laid on his right thigh. His side-parted, hair is cut short, and he has a well-groomed walrus mustache. He wears a three piece suit, a white, high-collared shirt and a dark neck tie. He also wears a wedding ring, cufflinks, and a chain attached to his last vest button which was most probably linked to a pocket watch. Louis’ wife, Rosalia (Rosalie) DeMartin Tomasini, stands to his left. Her right arm is behind her and her left hand touches the sleeve of his jacket. She wears an elaborate basque and matching skirt. Her Basque has a row of front buttons and two rows of cuff pleats. Around her neck is a white ruff, and several ribbons. Her skirt is profusely draped and, like her Basque, has front buttons. Her dark hair is pulled to the back of her head and just barely visible at the top of her head is the edge of a braid crown. She also wears a wedding ring, drop earrings, and a neck chain which ends in what is most probably a locket.
Biographical Note: Louis Tomasini learned the skills of a dairymen in his native Switzerland, and emigrated to California in 1864. He was a tenant dairyman at the Burdell Ranch in Marin County, and later resided at the DeMartin ranch in Chileno Valley. In 1880, he married Rosalia (Rosalie) DeMartin, the only daughter of wealthy and influential Marin County dairyman, Andrew DeMartin. Tomasini eventually became a very successful businessman and landowner, helping to establish and serving on the board of directors of the Dairymen’s Union. Sometime after his marriage, he and his wife built a fashionable home in Petaluma on the Kentucky Street hill. She died in 1887 at the age of 23 after giving birth to three children. He died in 1899 at age of 53, leaving the guardianship of his minor children to his brother, Matteo Tomasini, also of Petaluma.
Family Affiliation: Louis Tomasini’s brother was Matteo Tomasini; his wife was Rosalia (Rosalie) DeMartin Tomasini; and his three children were Juliet, Lila and Waldo.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.5 cm
Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front:
Description, back: Along the right edge of the card is handwritten in cursive in pencil, “Mr. + Mrs. Louis Tomasini”. In the center of the card in black print is the large and elaborate imprint of the very fashionable San Francisco studio, Bradley & Rulofson, originally owned and run by photographers Henry William Bradley (1813-1891) and William Herman Rulofson (1826-1878).
Date: 1880-1887 It is quite probable this portrait was taken to commemorate the couple’s wedding which took place August 31, 1880 when Rosalia (Rosalie) was 16, and Louis was 35. In 1887, Rosalia died and the Bradley & Rulofson Studio was closed.
Condition: This cabinet card is in very good condition.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1992-X-21
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