We’ve talked before about how the standards of beauty shift with the generations.
I found these pictures of women, all of whom were thought to be very beautiful at the turn of the century. At first glance, they appear similar but it’s because of the style of photography and the wonderful sepia tone is consistent.
On closer inspection, the women don’t resemble each other very much in their build, their dress, or the personality they show to the camera.
Which was the real beauty of 1900?
This untitled photo was taken by W. A. Carruthers in San Jose.
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
This photo is called The Spanish Dancer, and was taken by J.R. Moore in San Francisco.
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
And this photo was taken by Ella Badger, in Denver. It’s simply called A Portrait. What an intense face this woman had. She looks like she could have been plucked from a Haight Ashbury corner in 1969!
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
This photo, taken around 1900, is both unattributed and untitled. That’s quite a rarity! It certainly does capture your interest though, doesn’t it? The girl has a very interesting face. The cat is a little alarming (and I like cats). I was trying to identify the breed…. maybe a tortie?
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
F. M. Steadman took this picture in Puebla, Mexico, and titled it simply Portrait.
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
A Portrait, by Vaughn & Keith. Another intense looking creature!
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
Nance O’Neill, photographed by Bushnell in San Francisco.
Camera Craft (1900) by Photographers’ Association of California
old spirituals 
Hmm, I like the first one. I think she rather reminds me of my brother only in feminine form. I might like the look of her simply because she is familiar, lol. As for the cat, I see stripes, so definitely a tabby. I also like the second to last one. She is not a “beauty” in my eyes, but she is a very striking woman with a well-defined and handsome face.
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Striking is just the word for her!
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The third one looks like one of the Manson girls: Susan Atkins. I think the fifth one is most emblematic of the era. She’s mysterious.
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Oh she does ! 😳
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I vote for the cat! I had a kitty just like her when I was a teenager. She was dark gray with black stripes.
Seriously, though, I think beauty is still in the eyes of the beholder and the “style” of the times. Each of the ladies has something lovely about them, such as pretty shoulders, ankles, hair, or even a perfectly symmetrical face as the hippie before her time does.
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Judy you remind me of Will Rogers quote “I never met a man I didn’t like.” That’s a great talent!
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”Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
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Very wise!
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