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Antique CDV Photo c1890 Oscar Wils Kolding Denmark Victorian Bearded Man
An exceptional antique Victorian Carte de Visite (CDV) photograph dating to approximately 1890, produced by the distinguished Oscar Wils Fotografiske Atelier in Kolding, Denmark.
This beautifully composed photographic portrait captures a distinguished Victorian gentleman with a meticulously groomed full beard and mustache, seated in an elegant studio chair. Dressed in formal period attire, he poses beside an elaborately carved decorative table, with luxurious drapery and ornamental furnishings completing the sophisticated Victorian studio setting.
The portrait displays wonderful clarity, rich sepia tones, excellent contrast, and beautifully captured details in the gentleman's facial features, clothing, and surrounding furnishings. His dignified expression and composed posture give this remarkable 19th-century photograph a particularly compelling historical character.
The reverse is equally impressive, featuring an elaborate gold lithographed photographer's backmark against a dark background. The ornate design identifies Oscar Wils Fotografiske Atelier of Kolding, Denmark, located on Nygade opposite the pharmacy. It incorporates decorative scrollwork, a monogram, two exhibition medal illustrations, and an 1880 Graz exhibition reference.
Additional Danish inscriptions advertise the studio's photographic services, including Kulbilleder (charcoal portraits), reproductions, and portraits in various sizes. The exceptionally decorative gold backmark makes this photograph particularly appealing to collectors of early European photography and historical Danish photographic studios.
MEASUREMENTS
Approximately 2.5 inches wide by 4.1 inches tall.
CONDITION
Excellent antique condition for a photograph of this age. The portrait remains beautifully preserved, displaying strong contrast, sharp photographic details, and attractive, even sepia coloration. The gentleman's facial features, beard, clothing, and elaborate studio furnishings remain clearly defined.
The original card mount is remarkably well preserved, with exceptionally clean edges and corners showing hardly any visible wear. The reverse retains its impressive ornate gold lithographed design with excellent decorative detail and legibility. Only very slight signs of age are apparent, making this a particularly attractive surviving example of Victorian studio photography.
A wonderful addition to a collection of antique photographs, Danish history, Victorian portraits, 19th-century fashion, or elaborate European photographic studio backmarks.
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