BRIGHTLY COLORED STRASBOURG SOLDIER, GERMANY THEN, NOW FRANCE
CARTE DE VISITE (CDV) $60. USD
This thick CDV is from the late 1870s or 1880s. It is hand-colored with colors as bright as you'll ever see in a 19th century photograph.
The soldier holds a cigar in one hand and white gloves in the other.
PHOTOGRAPHER. On front, at bottom of mount: "F. Mehlbreuer STRASSBURG I/E. Steinwallstrasse 56." Backmark: "J. MEHLBREUER STRASSBURG I/E. 56 Steinwallstrasse 56, Filiale Moerschhauserstrasse 29."
STRASSBURG. Strasbourg became a French city in 1681, after the conquest of Alsace by the armies of Louis XIV. In 1871, after the Franco-Prussian War, the city became German again, until 1918 (end of World War I), when it reverted to France.
SIZE. Approximately 4 1/8 x 2 1/2 inches.
CONDITION. Photo: Small spots and marks. A vertical scratch at lower right corner. When tilted, a bit of scuffing is apparent. Mount: Wear at corners. Front has some soiling. Back has some soiling, a couple of pieces of old paper affixed, and some residue.
APPEARANCE. Excellent lighting, tones, contrast, coloring, and details. This is a bright, bold, stunning portrait!