“Young Child Placed in a Provocative Pose”

George Ross’ Portrait Photograph of a “Young child Placed in a Provocative pose”

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

GEORGE COLVAINE ROSS was born February 12, 1832 in Edinburgh, Scotland and died in 1893 at the age of 60 in Petaluma, California. Unlike the other 19th century Petaluma photographers, Ross lived and worked in Petaluma for many years. He arrived in Petaluma in 1855, and in 1862 he began his profession as a photographer, moving his studio within the city several times as noted on his various carte de visite and cabinet card imprints. In 1869 he was also part of a short-lived, photographic studio partnership with Elon D. Ormsby on Main Street in Petaluma. It was reported Ross stopped working as a photographer soon after he became an invalid in 1888. Ross was among the most prolific Petaluma portrait photographers, and his work was of exceptionally high quality. Ross was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: Unidentified

Description: In this portrait, a female child has been placed in a provocative pose, and she assumes a seductive demeanor that may be disturbing for some viewers. She stands relaxed, leaning casually on a fringed studio chair, and, in a nonchalant gesture, she crosses her right leg over her left and places only the toe of her right boot on the floor. Her focused and intense gaze, which is directed at the viewer, is both captivating and unsettling. The child wears drop earrings, and her center-parted hair has been brushed back behind her shoulders. Her ensemble is mismatched. Over her light-colored, calf-length skirt, which is conservatively adorned with three bands of dark trim, is a peplum tunic adorned with light-colored, soutouche embroidery. Her revealing, off-the-shoulder tunic has embroidered, capped sleeves and a bold, scalloped hem.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This child poses in front of a backdrop painted to give the illusion of a grand interior. A standard, fringed, studio chair has been used as a prop.

Description, back: George Ross’ imprint appears in the center of the back of this card.

Date: late 1860s - 1870s

Condition: All four corners of this card have been clipped, and the bottom edge has been trimmed. The back is soiled.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2022-946-01

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