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.

This photo is called The Spanish Dancer, and was taken by J.R. Moore in San Francisco.

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!

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?

 

F. M. Steadman took this picture in Puebla, Mexico, and titled it simply Portrait.

A Portrait, by Vaughn & Keith. Another intense looking creature!

Nance O’Neill, photographed by Bushnell in San Francisco.